President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed attended the inaugural National Girl Guide Day celebrations on Thursday evening, marking the first time the Maldives has officially observed the occasion at the national level.
During the ceremony, President Muizzu presented the Asia Pacific Regional Troop Leader Unit Award to 14 Maldivian Guiders. The prestigious recognition is conferred by the Asia Pacific Region of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) in recognition of outstanding leadership and service.
Addressing the event organised by the Maldives Girl Guides Association, First Lady Sajidha Mohamed, who also serves as the Chief Guide, said this year marks the 75th anniversary of the Girl Guide movement in the Maldives. She described the first official National Girl Guide Day as a historic milestone and said government recognition would create new opportunities for the movement to grow and strengthen.
The First Lady said the Girl Guide movement plays an important role in serving communities at the individual, national and international levels. She noted that being a Girl Guide goes beyond a title, describing it as a foundation for building character, leadership and responsibility.
Highlighting the importance of human resource development in nation-building, she stressed that empowering both women and men is essential for national progress. She added that the continued growth of the Girl Guide movement makes a valuable contribution to women’s empowerment and the country’s development.
The First Lady also launched the Community Service Toolkit during the ceremony. The event included the presentation of Guider’s Warrants, Quartermaster and First Aid badges, along with Service Awards recognising the achievements of members and leaders.
Among those in attendance were Minister of Education, Higher Education and Skills Development Dr. Ismail Shafeeu, senior ministry officials, former Chief Guide Fazna Ahmed, Chair of the WAGGGS Asia Pacific Regional Committee Niumath Shafeeq, veteran Guiders and members of the organisation from across the country.
The ceremony concluded with a commemorative group photograph featuring the President, the First Lady and members of the Girl Guide movement.
The Girl Guide movement was introduced to the Maldives in 1951 and has since expanded to more than 90 islands with over 14,000 registered members. The decision to officially establish and celebrate National Girl Guide Day was made by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.
