Chief Justice Honorable Ahmed Muthasim Adnan,

Justices of the Supreme Court of Maldives,

Ibrahim Riffath, Attorney General of the Maldives 

Hisaan Hussain, President of the Judicial Service Commission, 

Aishath Rizna, Chief Judicial Administrator, 

Izmeera Shiham, Secretary General, Judicial Service Commission,

Officials from the Judiciary and Justice Sector Institutions

And honorable judges and magistrates 

Assalaam Alaikum and a very wonderful evening to you all. 

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On July 11, 2007 Maldives saw the appointment of it’s first-ever women judges. I believe they are here in the room with us today. Honourable Justices Shujune and Huzaifa. Certainly, having accompanied for several decades the socio and economic evolution of Maldives, it was for UNDP and the UN system a milestone we had wished for and were extremely proud to support – A Maldivian judiciary without barriers to professionals no matter the gender. Reading it today in 2023 seems stating the obvious, I was not there in those years but maybe it was not that obvious then.

From 2, Maldives has now 24 women judges. This is a story that is still not possible in some countries but not uncommon in others. And tonight – we are happy to support the first conference for women judges in the Maldives. 

It is an absolute honour and privilege to be among such inspiring group pf people that through their personal and professional commitments are writing an important chapter in advancing gender equality across state institutions – The journey of Maldives Judicial reform is one that UNDP Maldives is particularly committed and is signified by our ever-growing partnership with the Maldivian judiciary. 

Let me take a moment to thank the generous contributions of UK Aid from the British people that have been instrumental in bringing about positive changes and advancing the cause of justice in the Maldives. Thank you for being a strong advocate towards a gender responsive and inclusive judiciary for the Maldives. When something is attempted that is different to the norm, it is often subject to resistance. 

Unpacking norms that have taken roots uncovered the deficient representation of women in the Judiciary and the equal challenges in accessing a fair and uniform application of the rule of law for the most marginalized in societies, including women.

It takes sincere intent and courage to dis-anchor these norms. At UNDP, we believe it is possible to champion disruptive development that supports the basics of democratic process in Maldives. 

So to all the women in this room today my most sincere congratulations and a concrete offer of a companion in your professional and personal journey.  

I’m glad to see some familiar faces here from my recent trip to Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll where we marked together the monumental completion of the Civil Procedure Code Trainings. I had the pleasure of visiting 4 magistrate courts, and I remember that in every court I visited, there was at least one woman who essentially held the court together. Women belongs to all tables where decisions are made and to all of us collectively the duty to create a safe and enabling environment for court administrators, magistrates, clerks and legal officers to experience their professions at par with their colleagues.  

People equate a gender diverse judiciary with more representative governance. Diverse judges can ensure a balanced approach to enforcing the law and implementing equality, which in turn builds public trust and confidence in the systems that are there to serve. But in a moment of reflection is it the case? Is it because you are women invested in the justice sector? Well, the aim, our bar for the justice sector is but higher than this. We are working towards a justice sector that has no limit for professional to access and has no better performance because of its gender or quota composition. Role is to be delivered let me challenge you genderless and until it is a new norm we ought to work towards that. Where all can interpret and deliver justice to those seeking it at the top of their professional capabilities. 

We will ensure that we ground our support and interventions in strategies that build women’s resilience and empower them, including their meaningful representation and participation, particularly at the decision-making levels and in sectors dominated by men – with the objective of creating just and equal societies and institutions.

We are thankful for and rely on the continued investments, commitments, and energy from our ecosystem of partners to ensure faster progress for women and girls than we have seen before. 

Once again, congratulations on this remarkable initiative. You see we often say the journey is more important than the end goal. Well let me say than may be the company (of each other) is what makes an occasion like this more meaningful to us at the united nations development programme and enriched by your generosity in sharing your personal experiences with us – so called professionals in development.

Thank you!