Over 1,300 Women Now Serve in Maldives Police Force as Roles Expand

The number of female officers in the Maldives Police Service has grown to over 1,300, reflecting a significant shift in the composition of the nation's security forces. Speaking at the Women in Policing Day ceremony, Minister of Health, Family and Welfare Geela Ali described female officers as a fundamental pillar of the police service, noting their increasing presence on the front lines of sensitive cases and high-risk operations. Minister Geela emphasized that this growth from a small initial cohort to more than 1,300 officers demonstrates a growing societal need for women in law enforcement. She attributed this trend to improved training programs and internal policies that have fostered greater interest among women. While praising their courage, the Minister also acknowledged the unique challenges female officers face in balancing demanding professional duties with family responsibilities. Addressing the assembly, Commissioner of Police Ahmed Mohamed urged female officers to take greater initiative in investigative and operational work. He highlighted that women bring distinct perspectives to problem-solving and criminal investigations, which enhances the overall effectiveness of the institution. The Commissioner noted that equal opportunities are now firmly established across police stations, with more women pursuing specialized recruitment and training both locally and internationally. Beyond operational roles, Commissioner Mohamed stressed the need to strengthen women's presence in police leadership. He encouraged female officers to proactively apply for leadership positions and express their interest in advancing through the ranks. He concluded by reminding the officers to remain both mentally and physically prepared for the diverse and often unpredictable situations they encounter in the line of duty. Throughout the event, the leadership called for a service defined by compassion and patience, urging officers to leverage international training opportunities to further professionalize the force as Maldivian society continues to evolve.