Renowned entrepreneur ‘Sarangu’ Shameema Kanbuleygefaanu has passed away.

A family member said that she died in her sleep on Monday.

Shameema received the National Award of Honour this year for her social work.

She is the mother of former governor of Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) Azima Adam, former TVM announcer Amila Adam, and director Ashar Waheed.

She is notable for working for the development of Male’ City, particularly the Maafannu and Mahchangolhi districts.

She is also famous for her clothes designs, and was taught under Bodu Dhaahillaa Dhonmanikufaanu who designed the clothes of Sultan Muhammad Fareed Didi.

Shameema is considered a national symbol of female empowerment and entrepreneurial leadership, and contributed in different areas throughout her life as a teacher, and community mobiliser.