Empathy and dialogue crucial in modern policing, says First Lady

First Lady Sajidha Mohamed and Commissioner of Police Ismail Naveen attend the Maldives Women in Policing Summit on October 4, 2025. (Photo/President's Office)

First Lady Sajidha Mohamed stressed the importance of empathy and dialogue in modern policing on Saturday, as she inaugurated the Maldives Women in Policing Summit.

The summit, which kicked off on Saturday morning at CROSSROADS Maldives under the theme “Empowered Women: Safer Communities,” brought together multiple stakeholders to discuss the advancement of women in security professions.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Sajidha underscored the strategic importance of women serving in uniformed bodies, describing them as both “guardians of peace” and “powerful symbols of possibility” within society.

First Lady Sajidha Mohamed addresses the Maldives Women in Policing Summit on October 4, 2025. (Photo/President's Office)

She highlighted on the multifaceted contributions of women in policing, the defense forces, customs, immigration, and other uniformed services, portraying them as individuals who not only uphold the law but also inspire future generations.

Sajidha also drew attention to the growing complexity of global and regional security challenges, including cybercrime, human trafficking, climate-related disasters, and violent extremism.

Women in Policing Summit opens on October 4, 2025. (Photo/President's Office)

She said that women play a vital role in helping to address such issues, and encouraged women and girls to view security professions as spaces where they can thrive and apply their unique strengths.

She also stressed the importance of empathy, dialogue, and prevention in modern policing, noting that victims, particularly women and children, are more likely to come forward when they see themselves represented in those who serve.

She urged participants to build workplaces where women are not seen as exceptions but as equals, remarking that when a woman steps forward to protect her community, she reshapes the very meaning of justice.

First Lady Sajidha Mohamed attends the Maldives Women in Policing Summit on October 4, 2025. (Photo/President's Office)

At Saturday’s ceremony, Sajidha also unveiled the official Maldives Women in Police Challenge Coin. The ceremony was attended by Home Minister Ali Ihusan, Commissioner of Police Ismail Naveen, Immigration Controller Ahmed Faseeh Commissioner General of Customs Fathimath Dhiyana, and Commissioner of Prisons Hassan Zareer.