The failure to conduct a thorough investigation into alleged sexual harassment by an official of the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) has affected the safety of the work environment for staff, Aisha Nurain Janah, who resigned as chairperson of the company, has said.
In her resignation letter, Nurain included a report in English on violations of corporate governance rules observed during her tenure as chairperson. The letter expressed concern over a sexual harassment inquiry launched by the company on April 1.
MMPRC's management lacked an understanding of due process to be followed in such cases and conducted the inquiry unprofessionally, she said.
"Neither advice from the BOD [board of directors] nor external advice was considered, and Management has refused to share details of the process and report of investigation with the BOD to date. BOD has observed that this has had an impact on staff morale and safety within the organization,” Nurain wrote in the letter.
In addition to the case, Nurain also noted several shortcomings in MMPRC's management. After Nurain's resignation, Fathimath Thaufeeq (Kudi) was dismissed as MMPRC's Managing Director on Wednesday.
MMPRC's management previously assured the harshest action possible against any employee who commits an act of sexual harassment but the company has yet to reveal the action taken in the case.
Nurain, daughter of Principal Advisor on Trade and Investment Mohamed Ali Janah, was appointed as MMPRC chairperson on December 27, 2023.
