The Maldives on Thursday marked National Girl Guide Day at the national level for the first time, with a special ceremony attended by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady and Chief Guide Sajidha Mohamed.

Speaking at the ceremony, the First Lady highlighted that the observance of Girl Guide Day at a national level pays tribute to the contributions made by the Maldivian Girl Guides. Echoing these sentiments, Chief Commissioner of the Maldives Girl Guide Association, Aishath Nasheed, said the Girl Guides movement empowers girls by equipping them with essential life skills alongside their classroom education. She added that the movement has produced women who now serve in leadership roles across various sectors, including government, education, healthcare and business.

The ceremony also featured the renewal of the Girl Guide Promise. Warrants, badges and certificates were presented to 47 guide leaders, while Quartermaster and First Aid badges were also awarded. Service Awards were presented to 14 recipients, and five individuals received Special Recognition Awards for their contributions to the Girl Guides movement.

The Association also launched its annual newsletter and the Community Service Toolkit during the ceremony. The toolkit was officially launched by the First Lady in her capacity as Chief Guide.

In addition, seven members received the Asia Pacific Award, presented by President Dr Muizzu.

Established in 1948, the Maldives Girl Guides Association works to empower girls and women through leadership development, community service and skills-based programmes.

The ceremony was attended by the Minister of Education, Higher Education and Skills Dr Ismail Shafeeu. Association officials, along with Brownies, Girl Guides, young leaders and students from schools in Malé.