Women now account for 20 percent of the Maldives Police Service (MPS), with their representation and role continuing to expand across different areas of the institution.
The Maldives marks 17 September each year as Women in Policing Day, recognising the role women play in the police service.
Female representation in the MPS has grown significantly from just 64 officers in 2004, when the police service was established as a separate civilian institution. The increase follows measures to expand training opportunities for women, strengthen maternity-related benefits and allow female officers to work on their home islands in appropriate circumstances. Women now account for 20 per cent of the total police workforce.
Female officers now serve across all levels of the institution, from constable and senior ranks to commissioned positions, with women also represented at the executive level. Their increasing presence in senior positions highlights the expanding role of women in police leadership.
Chief Inspector of Police Waseema Hassan told PSM News that women face particular challenges while working in a male-dominated institution such as the police service. She identified training alongside men and balancing family responsibilities with challenges in the workplace among the difficulties female officers encounter.
"We also have family challenges. As mothers, we have children to care for, and we have other commitments as well. Even with these responsibilities, we do not want them to become a burden on the work we do. All of us women remain determined to keep moving forward," Chief Inspector of Police Waseema said.
She said the assistance and cooperation female officers receive from their male colleagues provide significant encouragement in overcoming these challenges. She added that such support plays an important role in enabling female officers to serve on an equal footing and carry out their duties with consistency.
The expanding role of female officers has also helped the institution gain greater public trust. Police said the compassion female officers demonstrate and their commitment to their work have significantly increased their acceptance within the community.
Female officers serve in road policing and investigative fields, as well as in roles that involve dealing with the public in sensitive cases. Police said their work in these areas provides the public with considerable reassurance and satisfaction.
"One of the areas where women are most visible is road policing, where female officers serve on the streets. Women also serve in investigative areas and specialised fields, including areas such as gender-based violence," Chief Inspector of Police Waseema said.
Female police officers take great pride in serving the public in police uniform. Their primary aim is to make the fullest possible use of the opportunity they have received to serve the public, while the respect they receive from the community also gives them considerable satisfaction.
Chief Inspector of Police Waseema also highlighted the Maldives Police Service as an institution that offers women many opportunities to progress and provides an environment where their work receives recognition. Addressing women interested in joining the police service, she said that despite working in a male-dominated environment, any woman can achieve success if she faces the challenges without hesitation and with courage.
To mark Women in Policing Day, the Maldives Police Service plans to conduct a range of activities across the nation. These include an 'Act of Kindness' initiative involving female police officers working across the atolls, aimed at extending kindness to the community.
The service will also hold a 'Women in Police Forum' to discuss workplace challenges and professional development, alongside team-building activities and gatherings aimed at strengthening relationships. As part of the activities, a special forum for female employees working in the Malé area will take place at DusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives on 21 September 2026.