Female Safety from Sexual Harrassment

Last activity 10 February 2016 by numinga

1351 Views

6 replies

Post new topic

numingaNew member07 February 2016 03:11:27

Hi. I will be bound for Maldives within the month and I have friends who warned me about the local men who have a tendency to squeeze a boob or butt to expat females there. At first, I heard one from a friend who previously worked in Maldives and then I hear 5 more from friends who have friends and relatives who worked or still based there. I start to worry if us expat women have protection or human rights to fight against such harassment.

I was warned a lot of times like the following:
1. They pretend not to see you (but they do), outstretched arms or hands to bump to your chest area and butt as if it was an accident but it was on purpose to touch you.
2. Do not look into their eyes because they assume that you are interested them (but you are not) and cued for them to pursue you (that will freak me out).
3. Be firmly to say no because they are persistent to expat women and follow you (creepy).
4. There will be someone random who will squeeze your boobs and butt.

I know not so much I hear about in this forum on this topic and I am sure the a lot of expat women just shrug it off or keep it quiet. But its a human right and I worry because the news I watched and news articles I come across from all over the world, I am always been informed and I research and listen from those who are there. I take notes, remember a lot of tips and advice from fellow backpackers/travellers and people who worked abroad.

Is there any safeguard for expat women in those situations?

Laissez_PasserNew member08 February 2016 08:50:20

Your friends are correct; this is a problem. It's mostly not local, Maldivian men who are the problem, but rather expat males from Bangladesh and Pakistan.

bryan.aguilaMember09 February 2016 10:28:43

be vigilant when you get there

numingaNew member10 February 2016 02:41:06

Most likely, I will as I am here at home from the Philippines and other few countries I have traveled. I am just concerned if we don't have rights as expat women to be protected when you defend yourself from them.

numingaNew member10 February 2016 02:45:46

Laissez_Passer wrote:
Your friends are correct; this is a problem. It's mostly not local, Maldivian men who are the problem, but rather expat males from Bangladesh and Pakistan.

And the police/government can't do about it?

bryan.aguilaMember10 February 2016 04:31:54

just go away when someone ask your name or when a guy try to get near from you if they still follow you go run away fast ! its their country we don't know if police will help us if something happened to us. just avoid going out alone or if you have friends there much better if you go out with them and avoid eye contact with them as well .. good luck and take care

numingaNew member10 February 2016 04:59:12

I know I will ignore the catcalls and put your headphones up. Have my big bag as a shield and armed with portable umbrella on your hand. But when you are going to buy food in the market, while paying or while picking items as you decide. Those will be chances.

I will make friends eventually but for now if my first weeks will be alone and it will be a time of adjusting to the environment. Its a challenge and I just want to know if have protection as expats being hired by our employers based in their country. Even if its their government, its our right to know their constitution and be knowledgeable of our human rights.

It not just about to just avoid (we will as much as we can and we never impose of asking for it) but when the situation escalates, what then? When you try to defend your right, it should be by the laws we could point out as valid. I am just saying not to be ignorant but to be aware. You cannot be clueless and stupid you know.

In the Middle East, they are starting to give rights to expat women who were raped by their employers and had them protected at the present. It may not change drastically but at least its starting to. In Malaysia, women there too are protected as well. I've gone around in Malaysia a couple times and I feel safe there in Little India and other public places. Singapore and Indonesia as well.

But I will take more precaution for me (like I always do) to backpack soon in India and Sri Lanka during at times for a holiday.

Articles to help you in your expat project in Maldives

Driving in the Maldives
When moving to any foreign country for a relatively long period of time, you will want to have an efficient way to ...
Taxes in the Maldives
So, you are considering working or opening a business in the Maldives. One of the questions on your mind will ...
How to find a job in maldives.
I am a serial expat and have been working as expat in different countries and societies. lets talk straight about ...
Opening a bank account in the Maldives
If you plan to live, work or do business in the Maldives, you will need a bank account. Is it easy for expats to ...
Travelling to the Maldives with your pet
If you are travelling to the Maldives for the long term, you may be wondering if it would be possible to bring ...
Healthcare in the Maldives
Whether you are travelling to the Maldives for a short or long term, staying healthy and having access to quality ...
Internship in the Maldives
The smallest country in Asia and one of the worlds most famous vacation destinations, the Maldives offer the ...
Accommodation in Male
Male is the capital city of the Maldives, the countrys busiest and most populated city. Living here will give you ...