Nahid sets record for women of Maldives

Wednesday, September 24th, 2008

Mariyam Suhana

Fathmath Nahid Shakir of G. Penzeemaage has emulated a good example for the women of our country by becoming the first woman vice presidential candidate for the coming presidential election. Veteran politician SLP leader and presidential candidate Male’ member of the People’s Majlis Ibrahim Ismail, Ibra has surprised the nation on Friday when he announced Nahid as his running mate. The new Constitution has paved the way for the first time in our history for women to become president of the country. None of the other candidates, who have strongly advocated for the rights of women, have taken the initiative.

But Ibra whose name has become synonyms with reform, has created history by nominating Nahid as his running mate. While Ibra was highly vocal and active in the reforms, he played a pivotal role in the historic work of the constitutional reform. His job as chair of the drafting committee of he Special Majlis is praiseworthy. He has been a vocal critic of the government and courageously spoke for the cause of democracy and truth.

When Miadhu interviewed Nahid, she said she is very privileged to be the first vice presidential candidate of the country. “I am privileged to be chosen as Ibra’s running candidate. I am happy to stand and speak for the women of our country. I congratulate Ibra for his vision and courage. Ibra is a very capable leader who can lead the country towards meaningful reform. He has fought fearlessly for rights and reform. Ibra has proven his leadership capabilities during the struggles of past five years, during his association with MDP as the party’s first president, in the historic reform movement, as the leader of his new party SLP and during the presidential campaign and debates. Even his opponents grudgingly admit Ibra is an outstanding leader. He is worthy of being elected as our president" Nahid applauded Ibra’s leadership.

Nahid said she is confident her standing for vice president with Ibra would inspire and motivate Maldivian women who represent half of the population. She said Ibra is getting more support after her nomination to be his vice president.

“I am confident Maldivian women would seize this historic opportunity. I have a dream. That is to see women take higher post of the state. To see a woman elected to the high post of president in a near future." Nahid said.

Nahid who hails from a respectable family has a good record of her studies and teaching profession. She is married to former Special Majlis member Ahmed Athif and has two children. She is very fond of her children and family and she is proud of her family.

Nahid says she is gratified to see increasing number of Maldivian women in the centre stage of government service, politics and business. She also recognizes the important role of women as mothers and equal partner of a strong family and good children even if women take an active role in public life.

Being a teacher, she gives great importance education. She says Ibra’s policy of providing Pre School to all children would be an impetus to achieve quality education to all. Nahid says value based education is the mother of a progressive and civilized society.

It is not possible to say now how much Nahid can boost Ibra’s popularity for this election, but she has certainly changed the history of Maldivian politics during this time of unprecedented democratic reform.

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