14. Attitudes on women correlate with misplaced religious beliefs; a significant number of people still believe women should obey their husbands and are obligated to have sex with their spouses, irrespective of their needs.27 Also, a significant number of people believe gender equality is incompatible with Islam.28 15. Religious extremism remains an issue of concern. According to official records, there are 35 Maldivian women in foreign conflict zones.29 It is alarming that key stakeholders believe that women travelled to conflict zones of their own volition and will evade criminal prosecution by stating that they were forced or groomed.30 16. Although gender perspective was considered during the national curriculum revision process, there were challenges in the implementation and delivery process due to a lack of awareness among teachers on gender equality and stereotypes. 17. Efforts to raise awareness among media personnel, to combat negative portrayal of women, gender-based reporting remained insufficient and unsuccessful.31 18. Advocators of human rights and gender equality were stigmatized and have faced threats.32 9