First Lady Madam Sajidha Mohamed has addressed key social issues at the 7th Edition of the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative (MFFLI) Committee Meeting.
At the Committee Meeting held Thursday, the First Lady spoke on cyberbullying, outlining the damaging effects of online harassment, shaming, and manipulation targeting children. She emphasised the importance of promoting digital citizenship and highlighted ongoing efforts to raise awareness about cyberbullying in the Maldives.
On the subject of juvenile justice and delinquency, the First Lady noted that the Maldives remains committed to a rehabilitative approach that prioritises education, reintegration, and second chances. She underscored the need to address the root causes of delinquency, and early intervention.
The First Lady also spoke on food security, highlighting that small island nations such as the Maldives are particularly vulnerable to external disruptions in supply chains. She reaffirmed the country's commitment to building a safe, nutritious, and sustainable food system, and stressed the importance of mainstreaming innovative approaches such as hydroponics to ensure nationwide food security.
During the Committee Meeting, the First Lady announced the establishment of her Non-Governmental Organisation, which she described as a platform to expand ongoing efforts to tackle social issues. She expressed gratitude to the Merck Foundation for their close collaboration in advancing healthcare capacity-building in the Maldives and credited the Foundation as a source of inspiration for her initiative. In a video presentation, she then offered an overview of activities and initiatives that she has led over the past year and a half.
The First Lady is currently in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, attending the 7th Edition of the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit as Guest of Honour.