You were appointed Minister of Youth and Sports in June 2016. What have been some of your most important accomplishments in your role so far? And what are your main priorities as minister?

At the start of his administration, President Yameen issued separate manifestos for both youth and sports, emphasizing the importance of both areas. We are working to implement those manifestos. Maldivian youths comprise 47% of the overall population, so of course, policies impacting youth are central to our society. Sports are very important for the Maldivian community, providing sources of empowerment and reducing crime, for youth especially. This is why the two areas are combined within the Ministry of Youth and Sports. On the 6^th of September 2015, President Yameen ratified the Sports Bill. Under this sports agenda, all inhabited islands need to have a sports arena, with facilities including volleyball, futsal, basketball, netball, bocce ball, and football – the lifeblood of the Maldivian sports sector. We have completed 80% of the President's targets benchmarked for his first five-year term. In addition to developing sports infrastructure, the government also provides financial assistance to NGOs and sports associations and clubs, to ensure the success of our youth sports programs. Under the Sports Bill we have strengthened legal protection for sportspeople and sports associations. One of the important developments under the Bill is ensuring that the sports associations are governed consistently. There are association elections, a sports commission that monitors elections and association rights, and a separate sports corporation created to develop sport, as well a sports council. All of these governing bodies created under the Sports Bill are historic, and represent a drive to develop our sports in line with international law and standards.



What is the current sport scene like in the Maldives today? And how has that changed over the years?

The tourism sector has allowed our economy to boom. It has also impacted the Maldivian community, exposing our people to a variety of new sports and activities. Maldivians now play volleyball and football, and they watch international football and other games on television. What has clearly increased over the last 20-30 years is the wide variety of sports that Maldivians participate in and watch. Our teams now compete in the South Asian region as well as internationally in the Olympic Games. We have medalled in swimming.

Tourism and sport are highly interconnected in the Maldives. Rowing, surfing, fly-boarding and body-boarding are new to the Maldives. Our pristine beaches and waters allow us to focus on these water sports as hallmarks of our tourism sector, and we hope to continue to expand our offerings. I also want to emphasis our focus on developing the sports infrastructure. Under President Yameen, we have greatly expanded our infrastructure across the islands of the Maldives. Hulhumalé, the Youth City, is a megaproject also at the intersection of the youth and sports. This is something that benefits both tourists and our people, as there are no fees for locals to use the sports arenas, giving Maldivians the opportunity to play freely, day or night.

Yachting sports are popular in places like the Caribbean that boast similar natural beauty and climate to the Maldives. What would make the Maldives an ideal destination for GCC visitors interested in yachting?

Yachting is also very popular in the Maldives and some of our visitors choose to hire yachts and live in the Maldives for several months during the winter. We hope to expand in all aquatic sports. Currently, we are meeting with local rowing organizations to promote international rowing events. We are considering investing in rowing facilities and training schools for surfing.


What makes the Maldives a unique destination for someone interested in water sports?

Maldives is known as one of the best places for diving and diving competitions are often held at the resorts. We attract professional divers in the Maldives, and the underwater landscapes would undoubtedly be of interest to GCC visitors. We have a beautiful natural environment with crystal clear waters that are ideal for diving and other water sports. The transparency of the water is incredible and adds to the experience

The massive development project of Hulhumalé is nicknamed the "youth city." How is the new city being designed with youth in mind and what will it offer to the youth of this country when complete?

No president has focused on and invested in the Maldivian youth like President Yameen. President Yameen increased the youth-targeted budget from $30m to $300m. This is quite an achievement. The Youth City is the President's vision to actualize the aspirations of our young people. The President has asked the youth to directly engage in this project, and what we have built is a reflection of that. There is housing, communal parks, sport facilities, indoor and outdoor arenas, as well as recreational parks. The Youth City is not just for the youth of Malé —youth from any of the atolls can come and enjoy the facilities. We are also currently seeking investors for projects to build an aquatic park and an international calibre football stadium. The Hulhumalé Development Center has been authorized by our ministry to oversee the entire facilities infrastructure in Hulhumalé. HDC collaborates directly with our ministry when an investor comes to us with a project. It is a tripartite agreement. HDC functions as our operational arm.

As an extremely successful woman, how would you describe the role of women the Maldives?

This administration is focused on promoting gender equality. When I was Deputy Minister in the Ministry of Gender, we were focused on drafting the Gender Equality Act. President Yameen ratified the law last August. In addition to codifying gender equality into law, a huge milestone, we also have started offering workshops and seminars to promote gender equality ideas and practice. We are emphasizing the role of women in the private and public sectors. In the government we currently have three female cabinet ministers, ten female deputy ministers out of seventy-eight deputy ministers, five out of twenty-five state ministers, and five out of eighty-five female parliamentarians. We are trying to reach those levels in the private sector as well. Women see that President Yameen's administration sees and hears them. There is space for them to participate in the national dialogue. President Yameen has promoted issues important to women, such as maternity leave and flexible working hours for mothers. Additionally, women are taking more and more high-power posts. We have had women governors, bank managers, and CEOs. I believe that women must serve as role models and advocates for other women. We must provide opportunities for women to succeed and to attain quality education. The government must play a strong role in helping us provide the right opportunities for women.


What advice would you give to young women who want to emulate your career?

Women should compete equally with men. You must educate yourself and learn the skills to compete. Integrity is very important for young women. It is important to dedicate yourself to the work that you are interested in. Whether your job is small or large, you gain the respect and admiration of others through your education, integrity, dignity, and hard work that produces results. We have to take the opportunities. When I was serving as the ambassador of the Maldives in Geneva, I was the youngest woman in the UN community, and after one year in the Human Rights Council, I became the vice president. This is the way forward for the Maldives. Maldivian women are Muslim women, and we attach importance to our social values. Our religion drives how we behave and the values we promote. Muslim women can have very important jobs and serve their community both locally and internationally