The number of women on the front lines of the media is increasing, and the media sector in the Maldives is making further progress through the the initiative and leadership of women, Presidential Spokesperson Heena Waleed has said.
Heena made the remarks during a plenary session with media experts across Asia at the 20th Asia Media Summit, the largest regional media gathering, held in Siem Reap, Cambodia.
Responding to a question by the panel moderator on the Maldives’ efforts to increase women's participation in the media, Heena said women play a significant role in the Maldives’ journalism and broadcasting sectors. She highlighted that a substantial amount of women are involved in media management and coordination in the Maldives, noting that both the President of the Maldives Broadcasting Commission as well as the Chairperson of the Public Service Media (PSM) are women. She said women play a significant role in the Broadcasting Commission as well as the Maldives Media Council.
Heena further noted that women play an important role in senior positions across the civil service, Parliament and the Cabinet. She said the Maldives’ foreign missions currently have seven women serving as ambassadors, and that local council allocations are organised to ensure gender equality.
Highlighting the importance of accurate reporting during critical periods, Heena noted the efforts made by the local media to deliver accurate and timely information to the public during the 2004 tsunami disaster.
The Spokesperson also addressed the challenges faced by small island nations such as the Maldives in tackling misinformation and disinformation. She explained that due to the Maldives’ small population, false news and misinformation spread at a rapid pace. The spokesperson also highlighted the role played by the Maldives Media Council and the Broadcasting Commission in regulating misinformation, and upholding ethical standards of media content.
During the session, Heena also highlighted the government's commitment to transparency and public engagement. She noted the Citizens Voice Portal launched by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu on 23 February 2024, and the serial ‘Ahaa’ forum, where the public can directly ask questions to government officials, as significant efforts towards ensuring the policy.