First Lady Fazna Ahmed has stated that it is important to ensure gender equality in the community for a safe and sustainable future.

First Lady stated this, while speaking at the Rehendhi Awards 2022 ceremony held on March 22.

In her speech, First Lady Fazna, emphasized the importance of ensuring gender equality in all aspects of community life so that our society can have a safe and sustainable future.

Highlighting the administration's initiative to allocate leadership roles specifically for women in an effort to enhance representation and the role of women in society, she expressed contentment towards the progressive changes made by the administration in empowering women.

The First Lady reiterated that women bring a fresh perspective to the decision-making table, alluding to scenarios where meaningful contributions had been overlooked, that could have been presented to decision makers had there been better representation of women during the process.

While stating that the Women's Day has a different theme each year, First Lady highlighted that the main focus of these themes had always remained consistent. She said that the countless hurdles are faced by women in achieving gender equality, even in today’s society.

In her speech, also said that a fair share of these obstacles and the burdens women are expected to carry would be reduced if men share the responsibilities with them.

First Lady attended the event with President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, who was the Guest of Honor of the Rehendhi Award 2022, ceremony. Vice President Faisal Naseem, also attended this ceremony.

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih presented the Rehendhi Award to nine recipients, this year. While the brooches were presented to the award recipients by First Lady Fazna Ahmed, the Gender Equality Action Plan was unveiled by the Vice President during the ceremony.

Rehendhi Award is presented by the President in recognition of the role played by women in national service, national development and the development of the Maldivian society. A total of 55 people have won the award since its inception in 2014.