President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, First Lady Sajidha Mohamed and Minister of Health, Family and Welfare Geela Ali have reaffirmed the importance of empowering girls, protecting their rights and creating opportunities for them to become future leaders and contribute to national development.
In messages marking the International Day of the Girl Child, observed annually on 11 October, the President and First Lady highlighted the potential of girls and young women to shape a stronger, more inclusive and resilient Maldives. The Health Minister also called for collective efforts to ensure that every girl grows up in a safe, supportive and empowering environment.
President Muizzu said the Government remained committed to implementing policies that enable girls and young women to develop their abilities, strengthen their leadership skills and realise their full potential.
He noted that the Maldives joined the international community in reaffirming its commitment to advancing and protecting the rights of girls worldwide, stressing that achieving meaningful progress requires the involvement of families, communities and all relevant stakeholders.
The President added that investing in girls today would help build a more equitable, inclusive and prosperous future for the entire nation.
Echoing this message, First Lady Sajidha Mohamed said empowering girls was essential to securing a stronger future for the Maldives. In a social media post, she celebrated the strength, ambition and potential of girls both in the Maldives and around the world.
She described girls as leaders, innovators and changemakers whose voices, talents and contributions play an important role in building resilient societies.
The First Lady also highlighted the achievements of Maldivian girls and young women in education, public service, entrepreneurship, sports and community leadership, noting that their accomplishments were helping shape the nation's future.
Meanwhile, Minister Geela Ali urged the public to work collectively towards building a fair society that protects girls' rights and allows them to pursue their aspirations without barriers.
Extending her greetings to girls across the Maldives, the Minister acknowledged the challenges they continue to face while recognising their growing achievements in education, modern technology, sports and business.
She said the determination, courage and perseverance demonstrated by Maldivian girls were a source of national pride and inspiration.
Minister Geela reaffirmed the Government's commitment to ensuring that every girl grows up in an environment defined by safety, care, love and empowerment. She also pledged continued efforts to fully implement the National Action Plan to Prevent and Respond to Violence Against Children.
The Minister called on all citizens to contribute to creating a compassionate and equitable society where girls can develop their talents, fulfil their ambitions and reach their full potential.
The International Day of the Girl Child is observed this year under the theme “Ending Child Marriage and Investing in Girls’ Rights,” highlighting the importance of protecting girls from harmful practices while expanding opportunities for their education, personal development and leadership.
The messages from the President, First Lady and Health Minister underscore a shared commitment to safeguarding girls' rights and ensuring that every girl has the opportunity to thrive, participate in society and help shape the Maldives' future.
