President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady and Chief Guide, Sajidha Mohamed, attended the ceremony marking the first National Girl Guide Day to be officially observed in the Maldives.
During the ceremony held this evening, President Dr Muizzu presented the Asia-Pacific Leadership Award for Troop/Unit Leaders, conferred by the Asia-Pacific Region of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS), to seven Maldivian guiders. A total of 14 Maldivian guiders received the prestigious award.
Speaking at the ceremony organised by the Maldives Girl Guides Association, the First Lady noted that this year marks the 75th anniversary of the Girl Guide movement in the Maldives. She described the official observance of National Girl Guide Day as a significant milestone in recognising the contributions of Maldivian Girl Guides.
In her remarks, the First Lady highlighted the Girl Guide movement as an important platform for service at individual, national, and international levels. She said that the Government’s decision to officially observe National Girl Guide Day would further strengthen the movement and create greater opportunities for its continued growth.
The First Lady further stated that being a Girl Guide is more than a title, describing it as a process of character development. She emphasised that nation-building depends on developing human potential and ensuring equal opportunities for both women and men, adding that the continued growth of the Girl Guide movement contributes significantly to women’s empowerment and national development.
During the ceremony, the First Lady launched the Community Service Toolkit. The programme also featured the presentation of Guider’s Warrants, badges, and certificates, including Quartermaster and First Aid badges, as well as Service Awards.
The ceremony was attended by Minister of Education, Higher Education and Skills Development Dr Ismail Shafeeu, senior officials of the Ministry, former Chief Guide Fazna Ahmed, and Chair of the WAGGGS Asia-Pacific Regional Committee Niumath Shafeeq. Veteran leaders, current officials, and members of the Maldives Girl Guides Association also attended the event.
Following the ceremony, the President and the First Lady joined participants for a commemorative group photograph.
Since its establishment in the Maldives in 1951, the Girl Guide movement has expanded to more than 90 islands, with over 14,000 registered members. National Girl Guide Day was officially designated by President Dr Muizzu.
