First Lady and Chief Guide Sajidha Mohamed has described the Girl Guide movement as a key force in developing resilient women, saying its work plays a vital role in building stronger communities and supporting national development.
Speaking at the ceremony held to mark National Girl Guide Day, the First Lady said the Girl Guide movement has made an increasingly significant contribution to the Maldives over its 75-year history. She described the government’s decision to officially recognise the occasion with a dedicated National Girl Guide Day as a historic milestone for the organisation.
Reflecting on the movement’s history, Sajidha noted that the Girl Guides were established in the Maldives in the 1950s and have long supported official government events. She also recalled the movement’s role during the visit of Queen Elizabeth II, the first foreign Head of State to visit the Maldives after the country joined the United Nations.
She stressed that nation-building begins with investing in people, adding that women and men must be empowered equally.
“There is no doubt that nation-building starts with building people. In doing so, women and men must be developed equally. The values instilled by the Girl Guides are part of that broader mission of building people. The Girl Guide movement is not merely a name; it is a very important institution for developing women,” she said.
According to the First Lady, the movement helps young women develop discipline, responsibility and commitment while promoting compassion, humanitarian values, critical thinking, sound judgement and empathy.
She also praised the Girl Guides for their continued service during national events and emergencies, saying their consistent contributions have made the movement an integral part of Maldivian society.
Drawing on her experience over the past two years as Chief Guide, Sajidha said she had witnessed first-hand the wide-ranging impact of the organisation across the country.
“You are building resilience. You are nurturing skills. You are sharpening minds. Above all, you are cultivating responsibility, dedication and compassion within communities. My experience has shown me just how important the Girl Guide movement is,” she said.
Concluding her address, the First Lady thanked former and current members for their dedication to the movement and extended her National Girl Guide Day greetings, expressing confidence that the organisation would continue to grow and strengthen in the years ahead.
