The Girl Guide movement is building resilient women essential for nation-building, First Lady and Chief Guide Sajidha Mohamed has said.
She made the remarks while addressing a ceremony held to mark National Girl Guide Day.
In her address, First Lady Sajidha reflected on the history of the Girl Guide movement in the Maldives, noting that over its 75-year history, its value and contribution have become increasingly evident. She said that this year marked a significant milestone, as the government officially recognised the movement by introducing a dedicated National Girl Guide Day for the first time, describing it as a major achievement for the organisation.
The First Lady said the Girl Guide movement began in the Maldives in the 1950s and has, since its early years, played an important role in organising and supporting official government events. She also recalled that the Guides played a notable role during the visit of Queen Elizabeth II, the first foreign Head of State to visit the Maldives after the country became a member of the United Nations.
First Lady Sajidha said that building a nation begins with building its people, and that the Girl Guide movement performs a vital service by helping to develop women.
"There is no doubt that nation-building starts with building people. In doing so, women and men must be developed equally. The values instilled by the Girl Guides are part of that broader mission of building people. The Girl Guide movement is not merely a name; it is a very important institution for developing women," she said.
She added that the movement teaches members to be disciplined, responsible and committed to their duties. It also encourages compassion, critical thinking and humanitarian values, while helping young women develop sound judgement and empathy.
The First Lady highlighted that Girl Guides have consistently been at the forefront of serving the nation during national events and emergencies, demonstrating that the movement is an integral part of Maldivian society.
Drawing on her experience over the past two years as Chief Guide, Sajidha said she had witnessed first-hand the movement's wide-ranging contributions to the country.
"You are building resilience. You are nurturing skills. You are sharpening minds. Above all, you are cultivating responsibility, dedication and compassion within communities. My experience has shown me just how important the Girl Guide movement is," she said.
Concluding her address, the First Lady expressed gratitude to former and current members who have served the movement over the years and extended her National Girl Guide Day greetings. She also wished the Girl Guide movement continued growth and success.
This event marks the first time that the Maldives has celebrated National Girl Guide Day at the national level.
The historic ceremony, was attended the President Dr Mohamed Muizzu along with First Lady Sajidha Mohamed, and Maldives Girl Guide Association Chief Commissioner Aishath Nasheeda and the Minister of Education, Higher Education and Skills Development.
Senior officials of the association, as well as Stars, Little Maids, Guides and Young Leaders from schools across Malé, also attended.
Addressing the ceremony, Nasheeda said the Girl Guide movement empowers young girls by equipping them with essential life skills that complement classroom learning. She noted that former Girl Guides have gone on to become cabinet ministers, university leaders, principals, doctors, business leaders and professionals in many other fields.
Members renewed the Girl Guide Promise during the ceremony, while 47 leaders received Guide Warrants, badges and certificates. Quartermaster and First Aid badges were also presented, alongside Service Awards for 14 members and Special Recognition Awards for five individuals.
The association also launched its annual news bulletin and a new *Community Service Toolkit*, inaugurated by First Lady and Chief Guide Sajidha Mohamed.
President Muizzu presented the Asia Pacific Regional Troop Leader Unit Award, conferred by the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) Asia Pacific Region, to 14 Maldivian Guides.
Introduced to the Maldives in 1951, the Girl Guide movement has expanded to more than 90 islands and has over 14,000 registered members. President Muizzu officially designated National Girl Guide Day to be observed annually at the national level.