Abdul Shukoor Abdul Hakeem has been appointed the Deputy Minister of Gender, Family and Social Services.

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih made the appointment on Thursday morning.

Prior to his appointment, Shukoor served at the Children’s Shelter in Villimalé as the Chief Executive Officer.

The orphanage's former CEO was relieved of his duties in January following investigations by the Human Rights Commission of Maldives (HRCM).

The new Deputy Gender Minister holds a certificate in Master of Science Education Leadership and Management from the National Institute of Education in neighboring Sri Lanka.

Shukoor also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in the same field and has served in the education sector for 26 years.

Earlier in February, following Shidhatha Shareef’s resignation, Aishath Mohamed Didi was appointed as the new Gender Minister.

Aishath was the Maldives high commissioner to India prior to her appointment as Gender Minister and she served at the ministry from 2005 to 2008.