Maldives Officially Marks First National Girl Guide Day

The Maldives officially observed its first National Girl Guide Day on Thursday, with President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed attending a ceremony celebrating the Girl Guide movement’s contributions to the country.

During the ceremony, President Muizzu presented the Asia-Pacific Leadership Award for Troop/Unit Leaders, conferred by the Asia-Pacific Region of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS), to seven Maldivian guiders. A total of 14 Maldivian guiders received the regional award.

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Speaking at the event organised by the Maldives Girl Guides Association, the First Lady, who also serves as Chief Guide, said this year marks the 75th anniversary of the Girl Guide movement in the Maldives. She described the official observance of National Girl Guide Day as a significant milestone in recognising the contributions of Maldivian Girl Guides.

She said the Girl Guide movement provides an important platform for service at individual, national and international levels, adding that the government’s decision to designate a National Girl Guide Day would strengthen the movement and create greater opportunities for its continued development.

The First Lady also said being a Girl Guide represents more than a title, describing it as a process of character development. She noted that nation-building depends on developing human potential and ensuring equal opportunities for women and men, adding that the continued growth of the movement contributes to women’s empowerment and national development.

During the ceremony, the First Lady launched the Community Service Toolkit. The programme also included the presentation of Guider’s Warrants, badges and certificates, including Quartermaster and First Aid badges, as well as Service Awards.

The event was attended by 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, and veteran and current members of the Maldives Girl Guides Association.

Following the ceremony, the President and the First Lady joined participants for a commemorative group photograph.

The Girl Guide movement was established in the Maldives in 1951 and has since expanded to more than 90 islands, with over 14,000 registered members. National Girl Guide Day was officially designated by President Dr Muizzu.