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President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has pledged continued efforts to protect girls’ rights, expand opportunities for young women and help them become future leaders.
Mariyam Adheela
Male’: President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting girls’ rights and creating more opportunities for them to succeed, marking International Day of the Girl Child.
In a message posted on X on today, President Muizzu said the Maldives would continue to support global efforts to protect girls’ rights and improve their lives.
He said the government was working to help girls and young women develop their skills, prepare for leadership roles and contribute to national development in a safe and supportive environment.
President Muizzu said families, communities and relevant institutions must work together to ensure girls have equal opportunities to succeed.
He stressed the importance of giving girls access to education, helping them develop their abilities and allowing them to take part in decision-making without discrimination or fear of violence.
The President described investment in girls as an investment in a future where everyone can enjoy equal opportunities and a better quality of life.
This year’s International Day of the Girl Child focuses on ending child marriage and investing in girls’ rights.
According to UNICEF estimates, around 650 million women and girls worldwide were married before the age of 18. More than 12 million girls are married during childhood every year.
Child marriage can prevent girls from completing their education, increase health risks and limit their future opportunities.
International organisations have called for stronger legal protection, better access to education and healthcare, and action to address harmful social practices.
International Day of the Girl Child is observed every year on October 11. The United Nations established the day in 2011 to raise awareness of girls’ rights and the challenges they face.
Despite progress in education and gender equality, many girls around the world continue to face poverty, discrimination, violence and barriers to education.
The day also highlights the need to provide girls with equal opportunities in science, technology, business and leadership.
President Muizzu said supporting girls was a shared responsibility of governments, families, schools and communities. He added that investing in girls’ development was important not only for their future but also for the country’s long-term social and economic progress.
