First couple attends inaugural national-level ceremony to mark Girl Guide Day
The Maldives has officially marked the 75th anniversary of Girl Guiding in the country at a national level for the first time, celebrating the movement's significant impact on female empowerment. During the commemorative ceremony, the President presented international awards to 14 distinguished Guiders, while the First Lady highlighted the organization's invaluable role in building the character and leadership of women. The movement has now expanded to over 90 islands across the Maldives, boasting a dedicated membership of more than 14,000 individuals.
The President and the First Lady grace the ceremony held to mark the first-ever National Girl Guide Day in the Maldives. | Presidents Office
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed, who serves as the Chief Guide, officiated the ceremony held on Thursday night to mark the Maldives' first-ever National Girl Guide Day, according to the President's Office.
During the ceremony, President Dr. Muizzu presented the "Asia Pacific Regional Troop Leader Unit Award" to Maldivian recipients. This prestigious accolade is conferred by the Asia Pacific Region of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS). A total of 14 Maldivian Girl Guiders received the award.
Speaking at a ceremony organized by the Maldives Girl Guides Association to mark National Girl Guide Day, the First Lady highlighted that this year marks the proud 75th anniversary of the Girl Guide movement in the Maldives. She further described the occasion as a historic milestone, noting that it signifies the first time the government has officially recognized and celebrated Girl Guide Day to honor the contributions of Maldivian Girl Guides.
In her remarks, she highlighted that the Girl Guide movement provides vital service at individual, national, and international levels. She described the 75th anniversary of the movement in the Maldives as a significant honor, noting that the government's decision to officially observe Girl Guide Day starting this year will pave the way for further growth and opportunities for the movement in the future.
She stated that being a Girl Guide is more than just a title; it is a vital foundation for development. Emphasizing that nation-building is rooted in human capital development, she noted that both men and women must be empowered equally. She further highlighted that the establishment and advancement of the Girl Guides movement serves as an invaluable contribution to human development, specifically in the empowerment of women.
During the ceremony, the First Lady officially launched the "Community Service Tool Kit." Additionally, the event featured the presentation of badges and certificates to recipients of the Guiders' Warrant, as well as the distribution of Quartermaster and First Aid badges, and the presentation of Service Awards.
Since its introduction to the Maldives in 1951, the Girl Guide movement has expanded to more than 90 islands across the country, with over 14,000 registered members today. The President's Office stated that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu officially designated a specific day to celebrate Girl Guide Day at a national level in the Maldives.
