As we commemorate International Women's Day and celebrate the many achievements of women and girls, we should also remember that for far too many, the ability to live a healthy, productive life free from violence, to fully enjoy their rights, remains an aspiration. So today is also a time to recommit ourselves to delivering once and for all on the promise of gender equality, women's empowerment and sexual and reproductive health and rights for all women and girls everywhere.

Statistics show that over 50 percent of the population in Maldives is comprised of people under the age of 25 years and the largest cohort, about 25 percent of the population, is between the ages of 15 to 25 years. As the Government of Maldives focuses on the needs of youth in its development plans, one key area of relevance is youth and reproductive health.

Male', Maldives - Investing in young people is not only investing in their human right but also an investment into the development of the nation. The UNFPA's State of the World Population 2014 flagship report launched on 18th November in London is launched in Maldives today at the ceremony to inaugurate the annual Youth Leadership Training programme organized by the Democracy House at Bandos Island Resort. 

I was traveling along with my colleagues and government officials through a dirt road in Sindhuli district, when I felt the ground move at 11:56 am on April 25th, 2015. We were heading towards a safe house for women survivors of domestic and sexual violence. The car swayed violently and there were people running about frantically. In a tiny village, we quickly realized the state of panic and fear.