First Lady Sajidha Mohamed has said that a truly safe and secure environment for children can only be achieved through the development of a compassionate and inclusive society.

She made the remarks while speaking at the inauguration of the dialogue on child rights programme launched in connection with National Children's Day.

Addressing the gathering, the First Lady stressed that ensuring every child grows up in a safe and empowering environment is a shared responsibility that extends beyond Government institutions. While acknowledging efforts undertaken by the State, she said parents, educators and communities all have an important role to play in protecting and supporting children.

Describing children as the nation's hope for the future, the First Lady said the way children are raised today has a direct impact not only on their individual futures but also on the wellbeing of society as a whole. She noted that caring for children goes beyond meeting their basic needs and includes providing the moral, emotional and social foundations necessary for healthy development.

The First Lady also emphasised that child protection cannot be achieved through laws and institutions alone. She said the strongest safeguards for children are found within homes, schools and communities through the values people uphold, the examples they set and the way they interact with children.

She further stated that building a safe society for children requires more than establishing protection mechanisms, and called for the creation of a caring, informed, compassionate and inclusive society working towards a common goal. She added that providing children with love, care and protection is a responsibility shared by parents, teachers and all members of society.