Maldivian Scholars Union Calls for End to Mixed-Gender Teaching in Schools

The Maldivian Scholars Union has urged Education Minister Dr. Ismail Shafeeu to halt mixed-gender teaching in schools, claiming that such practices undermine Islamic values and Maldivian culture. In a letter to the minister, the Union highlighted that until 2008, major schools in the Maldives maintained gender separation as much as possible. They argued that changes introduced under the MDP government in 2008 were rooted in 'secular ideology' and conflicted with Islamic principles. The letter referenced a viral video allegedly showing inappropriate behavior by students in a classroom at Addu High School, attributing such incidents to the negative effects of gender mixing. Citing research from institutions like Harvard University and the BBC, the Union claimed that gender mixing influences student behavior globally. They called for amendments to regulations to create a gender-segregated educational environment. This appeal follows recent controversy over new uniform rules requiring female students in grade four and above to wear pants under their skirts. Arabiyya School remains one of the few institutions in the Maldives that continues to practice gender segregation.