Police restructuring underway to expand the role of women in counter-terrorism efforts!
24 އޮކްޓޯބަރު 2026 | ހޮނިހިރު 11:33The Maldives Police Service has commenced efforts to strengthen its organizational framework by implementing findings from a study aimed at increasing the participation of female officers in counter-terrorism initiatives. Conducted with support from the United Nations and the European Union, the assessment highlights key areas for improvement, with Assistant Commissioner of Police confirming that policies to empower women within the force will be further reinforced over the coming year.
From the validation workshop held to analyze the findings and recommendations of the "Institutional Self-Assessment." | Maldives Police Service
Assistant Commissioner of Police Ahmed Abdul Rahman has announced that efforts are underway to restructure and strengthen the current framework of the police service to enhance career advancement and opportunities for women in counter-terrorism and preventing extremism.
The ACP made these remarks during a validation workshop held to review the findings and recommendations of an "Institutional Self-Assessment." This assessment was conducted to enhance the involvement of female officers and create more opportunities for them within the Maldives Police Service's counter-terrorism efforts.
The assessment was conducted by a specialized police team with the support of the "EU-UN Global Terrorism Threats Facility (UNOCT)," a joint initiative of the European Union and the United Nations implemented by the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism. According to the police, the primary objective of this assessment is to strengthen career advancement opportunities and enhance the role of women in counter-terrorism efforts and the prevention of violent extremism.
The assessment was conducted from July to October 2026 by a team of 13 Maldives Police Service personnel, with technical assistance from four experts from the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT). Data for the study was gathered through an organizational scan, stakeholder interviews, and focus group discussions, as well as an anonymous survey.
Research findings highlight that the support from police executive leadership in expanding the role of women in counter-terrorism efforts, along with welfare benefits, paid maternity leave, and robust institutional policies for female empowerment, are significant positive factors.
Referring to the matter, the ACP commended the assessment team for their diligent efforts and the findings presented. Furthermore, the ACP provided assurances that the institution remains committed to the sustainable implementation of the report's recommendations.
Furthermore, the ACP stated that this study will facilitate the reorganization and strengthening of current service frameworks, noting that these efforts are already underway.
The workshop also featured discussions on ways to assist the police in implementing the report's recommendations over the coming year, specifically focusing on strengthening the role of women in counter-terrorism efforts.
