First Lady Sajidha Mohamed has lauded the State Electric Company Limited (STELCO)'s pioneering electrician course for women, asserting that the initiative marks the beginning of a major societal change.
Speaking at the certificate awarding ceremony for the Beginners Electrician Course for Women, the First Lady highlighted the unconventional nature of the trade for Maldivian women, yet underscored its critical importance for household safety and economic empowerment.
The First Lady emphasised that a prevalent lack of basic electrical knowledge often leads to tragic incidents, including fatal fires caused by shortages, while also preventing households from implementing effective cost-saving measures.
"Information released by relevant authorities shows that fires are very often caused by a shortage of electricity, and there have been incidents where people lose their lives due to electricity down to lack of basic information," she noted.
Empowering women with these skills, she explained, not only enhances household safety and efficiency but also enables them to make informed purchasing decisions for electrical goods, ensuring longevity and value.
She described the course as one that will bring about positive changes in both the home and society.
The intensive programme saw 116 women complete the training, with 80 receiving their certificates at the ceremony. Delivered in seven batches over three days, with three hours of instruction daily, the course provided participants with fundamental electrical knowledge and practical experience.
Participants learned how to safely troubleshoot common household electrical appliance issues, identify necessary equipment, and implement energy-saving practices at home.
STELCO Managing Director Ahmed Shamah Rasheed echoed the First Lady’s sentiments, stating that the free programme aligns perfectly with the government's vision to foster equal opportunities for women across diverse sectors.
"The training was given by STELCO’s most experienced experts. This is an opportunity to develop a skillset and generate income. There has been a great response," he remarked, emphasising the potential for participants to not only enhance their own skills but also to explore new income-generating avenues.
Offered free of charge to women over 16 as part of STELCO’s corporate social responsibility, the course attracted participants from various age groups. This initiative is further bolstered by STELCO’s establishment of the State Utility Skills Academy in Thulusdhoo, Kaafu Atoll, a specialised training centre designed to accommodate 50 individuals at a time, signalling a broader commitment to skill development in the utilities sector.