{"id":1638,"date":"2023-02-24T10:10:44","date_gmt":"2023-02-24T10:10:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/queenscommonwealthtrust.org\/?post_type=project&p=1638"},"modified":"2025-06-27T05:35:03","modified_gmt":"2025-06-27T05:35:03","slug":"women-democracy-promoting-womens-economic-political-participation-and-good-democratic-governance","status":"publish","type":"project","link":"https:\/\/queenscommonwealthtrust.org\/projects\/women-democracy-promoting-womens-economic-political-participation-and-good-democratic-governance\/","title":{"rendered":"Women & Democracy – supporting victims of gender-based violence"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

1 in 3 women in the Maldives has experienced physical or sexual violence. In many cases, these women are reluctant to report it due to fear of retaliation, social stigma, and lack of access to support services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Safaath Ahmed decided to work for the betterment of her country. She founded Women and Democracy (W&D) to advocate for women in the Maldives, give them a voice and protect them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cMy dream is to empower Maldivian women and girls to reach to their fullest potential.\u201c<\/em><\/p>\nSafaath Ahmed<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

W&D helps women in the Maldives who experience gender-based violence. The organisation provides gender-based violence interventions,  as well as safety and well-being services, such as health, psychosocial and legal support. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, W&D works towards women’s economic and political participation for good democratic governance in the Maldives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Safaath Ahmed Zahir, the founder of W&D<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

W&D is among nineteen organisations that are currently enrolled on the Youth Ventures Programme (YVP). Through the YVP, QECT provides youth-led organisations with flexible funding, practical tools and technical support, and access to a global network of young leaders for 2+ years.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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With QECT’s support since March 2022, W&D\u00a0has been able to:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Offer psychosocial support to 155 women victims of violence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Provide pro-bono legal advice and representation to 126 women and girls who experienced violence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Expanded its helpline operations, increasing the number of women supported.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Strengthened systems and processes – with improvements to business planning, financial management, governance and risk management. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cWith QECT’s support we assist over 300+ women and girls annually, who are\u00a0experiencing all forms of violence and in such unfortunate circumstances\u00a0(through our established helpline). We provide free and confidential\u00a0information, advice, advocacy and support for women and girls affected by\u00a0any form of gendered violence and abuse. Due to this we\u00a0are able to\u00a0make a\u00a0lasting impact in their lives, as we provide survivors with lifesaving services\u00a0such access to psychosocial services, legal aid, and safe spaces in Maldives (in\u00a0partnership with the QECT)\u201d.\u00a0<\/em>\u200b<\/p>\nSafaath Ahmed Zahir<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Future work supported by QECT in 2023:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Establish a \u201cOne-stop Centre\u201d for helping women experiencing violence to offer a more responsive alternative to that offered by the current government referral system. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Click below to watch W&D’s video <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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