Fayyaz Ismail, a contender in the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) presidential primary, has said that domestic work performed by women carries significant economic value and must be formally recognised.
The former MDP Chairperson is currently in Addu City to drum up support for his presidential primary campaign. During the visit, Fayyaz held a policy-formulation workshop with MDP members from Hulhudhoo and Meedhoo to gather public input.
Speaking at the workshop, he emphasised that women who stay at home to raise children should be compensated, either by their husbands or by the state, in recognition of their vital contribution.
"Since the topic of housework was raised here, I believe it is something for which the husband or the state should pay them. They are raising children and preparing them for society; for instance, a mother cares for them for 18 years. It is not the husband who is typically at home. This is not to diminish the husband's role at all," Fayyaz said.
Fayyaz pledged that if he is elected to office, he would ensure that women who manage households instead of seeking external employment are recognised, potentially through the provision of a pension.
"Men must also recognize that women staying at home to properly raise children is of great importance to us. If women do not perform this role, society collapses. Therefore, I view this as something with tangible economic value. Domestic work performed by women has economic worth. We must find a way to provide them with at least a pension," he added.
Fayyaz noted that since women make up half of the Maldivian population, improving their status is a necessity. He acknowledged the reality that women currently have fewer opportunities than men.
"Women constitute more than half of our society. A healthy society benefits me as a man as well. Therefore, we are compelled to improve the situation for women. Because we have historically been a male-dominated society, we are proposing to give women more opportunities than men in certain areas," Fayyaz said.
Furthermore, Fayyaz highlighted that the MDP’s initiative to reserve special seats for women on local councils is already yielding results, noting that some female councillors have proven to be more effective than their male counterparts.
Fayyaz, who has officially announced his candidacy for the upcoming MDP presidential primary, is currently sharing and seeking feedback on his "Big Change" policy platform. The manifesto includes comprehensive policies aimed at women's empowerment.
In addition to Fayyaz, the MDP presidential primary will feature former MDP President Abdulla Shahid, Hulhumale' South MP Ahmed Shamheed, and former Vice President Faisal Naseem.
