The first Maldives Women in Policing Summit 2025 has commenced at Crossroads, bringing together over 50 representatives from national and international security agencies to promote and advance the role of female officers.

Inaugurated by First Lady Sajidha Mohamed, the three-day summit is the first of its kind in the country. The opening ceremony was attended by Minister of Internal Security and Technology Ali Ihusaan, Commissioner of Police Ismail Naveen, and delegates from five partner countries alongside international organisations including UNODC, Interpol, UNICEF and UNDP.

During the ceremony, a declaration was signed to strengthen collaboration among five key national institutions, while Minister Ihusaan launched the book Maldives Women in Policing, chronicling the history of women in the service. A commemorative challenge coin celebrating female police contributions was also unveiled by the First Lady. 

The summit agenda focuses on developing the skills of female officers in investigative, technical, and intelligence fields, while addressing challenges they face in law enforcement. Sessions will include knowledge-sharing with experts from India, Japan, China, the UK, and Australia, as well as participation from female officers across the Maldives National Defence Force, Customs, Immigration, and Correctional Services.

Women’s representation in policing has steadily increased in the Maldives since 1989, with female officers now making up nearly 20 per cent of the force. Last year, three women were promoted to the rank of Superintendent of Police for the first time in the nation’s history.