President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has pledged to expand opportunities for girls and young women in the Maldives, saying the government is committed to creating an environment where they can develop their abilities, pursue their ambitions and become future leaders.
In a message shared on social media to mark International Day of the Girl Child on Sunday, the President said empowering girls is essential to building a more inclusive and prosperous society.
He reaffirmed the Maldives’ commitment to international efforts aimed at protecting the rights of girls and ensuring they have equal opportunities to participate in education, leadership and national development.
Muizzu said the administration’s objective is to help girls and young women realise their full potential by providing the support and opportunities necessary for them to take on leadership roles in the future.
He stressed that achieving this requires more than providing opportunities alone, highlighting the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment in which girls can develop confidence, skills and independence.
The President said the government remains committed to pursuing policies that enable women to make meaningful contributions to the country’s development.
His remarks come as countries around the world observe International Day of the Girl Child, an annual occasion dedicated to highlighting the challenges faced by girls and promoting greater investment in their rights, education and wellbeing.
The day, observed every October 11, was established by the United Nations in 2011 and first celebrated internationally in 2012.
It serves as a reminder of the barriers that continue to affect girls in many parts of the world, including unequal access to education, discrimination, violence and practices that restrict their opportunities.
This year’s observance is being marked under the theme “Ending Child Marriage and Investing in Girls’ Rights”, drawing attention to the importance of protecting girls from early marriage and ensuring that their futures are shaped by opportunity rather than inequality.
Child marriage remains a global concern because of its impact on girls’ education, health, personal development and long-term economic independence.
International efforts to address the issue have increasingly emphasised the importance of keeping girls in education, strengthening legal protections and expanding access to opportunities that allow them to make informed decisions about their futures.
In the Maldives, efforts to promote women’s participation in public life and leadership remain closely connected to broader discussions about education, employment, representation and equal opportunity.
Creating pathways for girls to pursue higher education, develop professional skills and participate in decision-making can play an important role in strengthening women’s representation across different sectors.
Muizzu said the responsibility for empowering girls cannot rest with the government alone.
He called for the involvement of families, communities and relevant institutions in ensuring that girls receive the encouragement and support needed to pursue their ambitions.
The President highlighted that nurturing girls today is an investment in the country’s future, with benefits extending beyond individual achievements to society as a whole.
He said collective efforts to protect girls’ rights and expand their opportunities would help build a more equitable, inclusive and prosperous Maldives.
The President’s message underscored the importance of recognising girls not only as beneficiaries of protection and support, but also as individuals capable of shaping the country’s future through their ideas, abilities and leadership.
