Mariya Ahmed Didi

Mariya Ahmed Didi (right) in 2007

Mariya Ahmed Didi is a member of the parliament of Maldives and a women's rights activist.[1] She earned her law degree in the United Kingdom, and became the first qualified female lawyer in Maldives.[2] She was elected to parliament as an independent but joined an opposition party in November 2005.[2] She was the chairperson of the Maldivian Democratic Party from March 2008 until 2011.[3][4]

In March 2006, in response to police arresting a female activist from her home late at night, Didi organized the first women's rights rally in Maldives.[1] Opponents of her efforts threw bags of oil at her and ran her motorbike off the road, but the rally went on as planned.[2] In 2007 she received an International Women of Courage Award.[5]

She was beaten and arrested in February, 2012, while protesting the controversial ouster of former President Mohamed Nasheed.[6] While in a shop, she was hit in the face and dragged away. The officer responsible was charged with assault.[7]

References

  1. 1 2 Honorees
  2. 1 2 3 Women of Courage Award Winner Spearheads Reform in Maldives | IIP Digital
  3. ↑ Mariya Ahmed Didi begins tenure as MDP Chairperson | Maldivian Democratic Party
  4. ↑ Reeko Moosa to contest MDP Chairmanship after Mariya’s resignation | Minivan News Archived 2014-08-14 at the Wayback Machine.
  5. ↑ Maldives Royal Family Official Website: Mariya Didi
  6. ↑ “Police did not beat them enough,” says Majlis majority leader Ahmed Nihan Archived 2014-08-14 at the Wayback Machine.
  7. ↑ Idhurees, Niumathullah (May 7, 2013). "Two cops charged with assault on MPs Mariya, Moosa". Haveeru Online.
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