10. Maldivian women remain underrepresented in both public and political life. The representation of Maldivian women in the Parliament is 6 percent and in the Local Councils 2 percent. Hindrance to women’s engagement in politics results from limited prospects for political participation and understanding of democracy, limited experience in the political arena, lack of family and societal support, inadequate access to financial means and radical campaigns against participation of women in politics, public and professional life. The increase in religious conservatism restricts women’s leadership roles along with their mobility while further perpetuating patriarchy. For these reasons there seems to be limited experience and low political commitment amongst women. At the institutional level the disaggregated data and gender focused research undertaken are insufficient. Source: http://jsc.gov.mv/jlist/index.html, Judicial Service Commission Source: http://agoffice.gov.mv/pdf/lawyers/lawyersSep08.pdf, Attorney General’s Office 11. So far the State has fallen short to provide adequate measures to overcome challenges faced by women towards realizing the rights in running for public offices. Positive Chapter: Article 3: Equal Rights of Men and Women Source: Statistical Report on Local Council Election ‐2011, Elections Commission and Women in Public life in the Maldives, Situational Analysis, UNDP Maldives. 9