No country or homeland can endure without women's contributions and support, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu said Saturday.
In a special address commemorating International Women's Day, President Dr Muizzu said that women’s full participation is essential in education, healthcare, social services, governance, business, and economic activities—all crucial to a nation’s survival and progress.
In his address, the President highlighted that the government's core policy is to expand opportunities for women, strengthen their role in governance, and empower them to become self-sufficient and independent.
He noted that even the earliest records of Maldivian history depict Maldivian women as spirited, diligent, and devoted homemakers who maintained order and contributed beyond the household.
He described them as the pillars of Maldivian society, who, throughout generations, have safeguarded the peace and security of the Maldivian nation for thousands of years. He also acknowledged them as the compassionate anchors of their families, crediting their unwavering support and participation in driving national development and progress. For these reasons, he affirmed that Maldivians will always take great pride in their women.
President Dr Muizzu underscored that women constitute most service providers in key sectors such as healthcare and education, which are vital for the country’s sustainability and future.
He also celebrated the remarkable achievements of Maldivian female athletes in sports. Quoting the well-known adage, "Educate a woman, and you educate a generation," he pointed out that Maldivian girls outnumber boys in secondary, higher secondary, and university education, with most top-achieving students also female. He described this as a promising sign for the future of the Maldivian nation.
As Muslims, the President stated that Islam has played the most significant role in safeguarding women’s rights and elevating their dignity, honour, and status in society. He reminded that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) taught that the first, second, and third person one must treat with utmost kindness and compassion is one’s mother.
Additionally, one of the Prophet’s final instructions before his passing was to be kind to one’s wife. In his address, the President also honoured the contributions of the Mothers of the Believers, the wives of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), in recognition of International Women’s Day.