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What Is Wrong Remains Wrong: A Silent Struggle Faced by Women in the Maldives

 

“What is wrong remains wrong, even if you try to justify it as right. A rational person needs no explanation—they recognize the truth.”

Recently, a story came to light about a woman living under the same roof as her ex-husband—forced to witness the emotional agony of him living with another woman in the shared home, all while her child is present. While the details of her current situation remain unknown, one can only hope she is in a better place now—physically, emotionally, and mentally.

This is more than just one woman’s story. It is a painful mirror reflecting the silent struggles many women in the Maldives endure.

The Reality Behind Closed Doors

In our society, where conservative values often meet modern dilemmas, many women find themselves caught in situations where dignity and survival are in constant conflict. A decent, independent living space—a basic human necessity—is not available to all. Financial dependence, low-paying jobs, and social stigma leave women with few options. Many continue living in emotionally unsafe environments simply because they have nowhere else to go.

Women in the Maldives often juggle multiple roles: caregiver, housekeeper, wage earner, and emotional anchor for their families. Yet, instead of being supported, many are silently burdened with expectations that weigh heavily on their mental health.

The Psychology Behind the Silence

Psychologically, what these women experience is a form of chronic emotional stress, often linked to learned helplessness—a state where a person feels unable to change their circumstances due to repeated experiences of powerlessness. Over time, this can lead to depression, anxiety, and low self-worth.

According to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, safety—both physical and emotional—is a basic human need. When a woman is forced to live in an environment that feels unsafe, especially in the presence of her child, her ability to function in other areas of life is severely compromised.

Moreover, role overload—when one individual is expected to fulfill multiple demanding roles simultaneously—leads to burnout. This is the daily reality for many women: they wake up early, prepare meals, take care of children, go to work, return to more chores, and collapse into bed without a moment for themselves.

Is This What Our Religion Teaches?

Islam, in its essence, is a religion of justice, compassion, and protection for all—especially for those who are vulnerable. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:

“The best of you are those who are best to their women.”
— Sunan al-Tirmidhī 3895

Islam emphasizes the dignity and honor of women. Nowhere, does it command women to suffer in silence or accept humiliation under the pretense of duty. The idea that women must carry the weight of both financial responsibilities and all household chores is a cultural construct—not a religious obligation.

A Call for Social Responsibility

This issue is not just about one woman. It is about the collective responsibility of a society. It is about the silence that surrounds abuse not because people are unaware, but because it has become normalized. When we begin justifying what is wrong, we lose our moral compass.

It is time to ask:

  • Why are women still earning significantly less than men in the Maldives?

  • Why is caregiving seen as a woman’s role, even when she works full-time?

  • Why do we turn a blind eye to living situations that damage a person’s mental health?

  • Why do we remain silent?

Let us not normalize pain disguised as patience. Let us not justify emotional harm in the name of tradition or culture. If our religion teaches us anything, it is to stand up for the oppressed and to uphold dignity—for men, women, and children alike.

What is wrong remains wrong. A rational heart will not need an explanation to feel the injustice.

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