First Lady Sajidha Mohamed has called for greater female representation within the Maldives Police Service, stating that increasing the number of women in policing is not only about gender equality, but also a critical step toward strengthening national security and public confidence.
She made the remarks on Tuesday evening while inaugurating the third term of the Maldives Women in Policing Committee at Iskandharu Koshi.
The First Lady was welcomed with a Guard of Honour upon her arrival and later unveiled the committee’s official logo. Commissioner of Police Ahmed Mohamed presented her with a commemorative token featuring the new logo, while she in turn handed appointment plaques to newly appointed committee members.
Addressing the gathering, Sajidha described the launch of the committee’s new term as a key milestone for the police service, saying it reflects growing efforts to strengthen women’s role in law enforcement despite longstanding challenges.
She stressed that greater participation of female officers helps improve public trust and community cooperation, while also enhancing police responses to sensitive cases including gender-based violence and domestic abuse.
The First Lady also urged authorities to introduce long-term policies that better support women balancing family responsibilities, arguing that such measures are essential to both attract and retain more women in policing.
She further emphasized the need to expand opportunities for female officers in frontline policing, criminal investigations and technical divisions, warning against limiting women to administrative roles.
While women make up a significant share of employees in sectors such as education and healthcare in the Maldives, Sajidha noted that female representation within the police service remains comparatively low.
She called on both the MWPC and the Maldives Police Service to prioritise recruitment efforts aimed at increasing the number of women officers nationwide.
Describing the police service as the backbone of national safety and security, the First Lady praised officers for their role in protecting citizens, upholding the rule of law and safeguarding the country’s future.
She also commended the committee’s previous term for its achievements, including nationwide awareness programmes, forums held across all atolls and crime prevention initiatives aimed at supporting women.
The ceremony was attended by cabinet ministers, senior government officials, diplomats and top police officials.
