The Ministry of Gender and Family celebrated International Day of the Girl Child 2017 with “Girls Lead” Initiative to give girls the opportunity to step into the shoes of leading female professionals in the Maldives.
A total of 34 girls between the ages 16 to 17 participated in this special initiative to support girls’ empowerment and leadership. The one-day activity organized by the Ministry, provided a unique experience for girls to be attached and work with remarkable female professionals in leadership positions at government, private sector and civil society organizations. The main aim of this initiative is to encourage and motivate girls to achieve their goals and aspirations and to reach decision making levels in various fields.
A special event was held at Champa Central Hotel at the end of the working day, to give participants the opportunity to share and exchange their experiences and to award recognition certificates.
Addressing the event, Minister of Gender and Family H.E. Zenysha Shaheed Zaki expressed hope that this initiative would help young girls to face challenges, increase their awareness on opportunities available in the country and enhance their understanding on career advancements. She further stated that she hoped to see participants of this initiative take an active role in leadership positions in the future.
The International Day of the Girl Child has been observed on October 11, every year following a United Nations resolution in 2011, with the aim of promoting the rights of girls and addressing the unique challenges faced by girls globally.
11 October 2017