News Desk
MALÉ, — First Lady Sajidha Mohamed has underscored the profound impact of the Girl Guide movement, describing it as an essential pillar for nation-building rather than merely an extracurricular title.
The First Lady’s remarks came on Thursday evening during the inaugural national-level Girl Guide Day celebrations, hosted by the Maldives Girl Guides Association. The event marked a historic milestone, as it was the first time the government has officially commemorated the day, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of the movement’s introduction to the Maldives.
In her address, the First Lady highlighted that the movement is vital at the individual, national, and international levels. Emphasising the importance of gender-inclusive development, she noted that nation-building is fundamentally about building people.
“Girl guiding is not just a name; it is a very necessary form of development,” the First Lady said. “As we build our nation, we must ensure both men and women are developed equally. The Girl Guide movement serves as a valuable service in the effort to nurture and empower women.”
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and the First Lady, who serves as the Chief Guide, graced the ceremony held to honour these contributions. During the proceedings, President Muizzu presented the prestigious “Asia Pacific Regional Troop Leader Unit Award” to 14 Maldivian guides, recognising their excellence within the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) network.
The event also saw the official launch of the “Community Service Tool Kit,” alongside the awarding of warrants, badges, and service awards to dedicated members.
Since its inception in the country in 1951, the Girl Guide movement in the Maldives has seen significant expansion. Today, it spans over 90 islands across the archipelago, with a registered membership exceeding 14,000.
The ceremony was attended by senior government officials, including the Minister of Education, Higher Education and Skills Development Dr Ismail Shafeeu, former Chief Guide Fazna Ahmed, and regional committee leaders from WAGGGS.
The official designation of a national Girl Guide Day, a move initiated by President Muizzu, is expected to provide greater impetus and support for the movement’s future growth and outreach across the country.
