Aneesa Ahmed, recipient of the Order of the Distinguished Rule of Izzuddin (ODRI) and a prominent women's rights advocate, has raised concerns about the recent appointment of Dr. Mariyam Maria as the Minister of Agriculture, suggesting the decision was influenced by gender rather than expertise.
Dr. Mariyam Maria, formerly the Minister of Higher Education, was reassigned to the Agriculture Ministry on Wednesday. Aneesa, in a Facebook post, questioned the rationale behind transferring someone with advanced qualifications and extensive experience in higher education to a ministry unrelated to her expertise.
She argued that the merger of the Ministry of Housing and Land with the Ministry of Construction and Infrastructure left that portfolio to a male minister, while the Ministry of Agriculture was left vacant and handed to a woman.
As the founder of 'Hope for Women', Aneesa emphasized the importance of genuine efforts to empower women, rather than decisions that could be seen as token gestures. She described the appointment as unwanted discrimination disguised as an opportunity for women.
Dr. Mariyam Maria’s tenure as Higher Education Minister was marked by significant contributions to advancing education in the Maldives. Her sudden reassignment has sparked debate over whether such moves undermine merit-based appointments.
The government has yet to provide an explanation for the reshuffle. Aneesa’s remarks have reignited discussions on balancing gender representation with ensuring appointments align with qualifications and expertise.
Dr. Mariyam Maria, formerly the Minister of Higher Education, was reassigned to the Agriculture Ministry on Wednesday. Aneesa, in a Facebook post, questioned the rationale behind transferring someone with advanced qualifications and extensive experience in higher education to a ministry unrelated to her expertise.
She argued that the merger of the Ministry of Housing and Land with the Ministry of Construction and Infrastructure left that portfolio to a male minister, while the Ministry of Agriculture was left vacant and handed to a woman.
As the founder of 'Hope for Women', Aneesa emphasized the importance of genuine efforts to empower women, rather than decisions that could be seen as token gestures. She described the appointment as unwanted discrimination disguised as an opportunity for women.
Dr. Mariyam Maria’s tenure as Higher Education Minister was marked by significant contributions to advancing education in the Maldives. Her sudden reassignment has sparked debate over whether such moves undermine merit-based appointments.
The government has yet to provide an explanation for the reshuffle. Aneesa’s remarks have reignited discussions on balancing gender representation with ensuring appointments align with qualifications and expertise.
