Maldives President H.E. Ibrahim Mohamed Solih appointed Aishath Mohamed Didi as Minister of Gender, Family and Social Services on 09 February 2020. H.E. Ms. Aishath Mohamed Didi who was previously serving as the Ambassador (High Commissioner) to India from the Maldives was sworn in at the President’s Office in the Maldives. Supreme Court Justice Honorable Uz Husnu Al Suood administered the oath. President Solih who oversaw the oath-taking ceremony also presented Aishath Mohamed Didi with her official credentials. Ms. Aishath served as the Maldives Ambassador (High Commissioner) to India since December 15, when she was appointed days before Solih’s maiden three-day visit to India from December 16 to December 18. Aishath replaces incumbent Shidhatha Shareef, to take over as the new Minister of Gender, Family and Social Services.
Ms Aishath began her career in the education sector in 1982 as a science teacher at Majeedhiya School and went on to serve at the Educational Development Center, and the Institute for Teacher Education. Following her successful term, she served as the Deputy Director of the Unit to Protect the Rights of Children and a senior post at UNICEF Maldives. She also served as a member of the Executive Committee of Society for Health Education (SHE), a member of the Villa College Academic Center, a member of the Board of Maldives Qualification Authority, and a member of the Board of Narcotics Control. Aishath has Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in arts, and a diploma in teaching. She remained an integral part of the education system until 1998.
Aishath also previously served as the gender minister from 2005 to 2008, during the presidency of Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. Aishath has long been an advocate for social issues and a defender of the rights of women and children in the country.
Aishath comes with an array of experience of having closely worked in a wide range of projects running in the Maldives. She has also collaborated with various international organizations such as the UN and UNICEF during her work at the interior parts of the country. Aishath also served as a member of the Executive Committee of Society for Health Education (SHE), a member of the Villa College Academic Center, a member of the Board of Maldives Qualification Authority, and a member of the Board of Narcotics Control.
Being appointed as the Maldivian Ambassador to India December 2018, Aishath was President Solih’s first appointment to the head of a diplomatic mission. Notably, Aishath Mohamed Didi was the first-ever female Maldivian Ambassador to serve in India. During her tenure as the Ambassador to India, various key agreements were exchanged between India and Maldives.