The Maldives Police Service has convened an institutional validation workshop to deliberate upon the findings and strategic recommendations of an Institutional Self-Assessment dedicated to identifying avenues for enhancing women’s participation across police counterterrorism operations.
The assessment was undertaken by a designated MPS team with technical backing from the EU-UN Global Terrorism Threats Facility, a joint venture of the European Union and the United Nations executed by the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT). The initiative focuses on broadening professional opportunities and strengthening career trajectories for women within counterterrorism as well as preventing and countering violent extremism (PCVE).
The workshop commenced with opening remarks delivered by Dr. Asiyath Mohamed Didi, Director General of Research and Development. Following an orientation by the UNOCT team, the MPS assessment team presented their primary findings and strategic recommendations for validation, concluding with an interactive 30-minute question-and-answer session.
Conducted between July and October 2026, the assessment brought together 13 MPS personnel supported by four UNOCT experts. The team compiled qualitative and quantitative evidence through an organizational scan, specialized stakeholder interviews, focus group discussions, and an anonymous personnel survey. The findings highlighted notable institutional strengths within the Service, including executive leadership commitment toward expanding women’s operational participation in counterterrorism, equitable welfare provisions, paid maternity leave, and dedicated institutional frameworks supporting women’s empowerment.
Speaking at the event, Assistant Commissioner of Police Ahmed Abdul Rahman commended the assessment team for their rigorous methodology, analytical depth, and dedicated service. He affirmed that translating the report's recommendations into operational reality constitutes an enduring institutional priority for the Service, emphasizing that the evidence-based framework will enable the Maldives Police Service to systematically prioritize and reinforce its internal mechanisms.
During the concluding segment, UNOCT presented certificates of completion to the MPS assessment team and outlined operational pathways through which key recommendations will guide continued technical assistance to the Service over the coming year. To mark the collaboration, Commissioner of Police Ahmed Mohamed presented certificates of appreciation to the UNOCT delegation in recognition of their partnership and expert support.
