The Professional and Career Women Awards 2024 has recognised the achievements of 26 women, acknowledging their contributions to various fields across the Maldives.

This initiative, which is supported under EU’s regional initiative 'Accelerating Climate Smart and Inclusive Infrastructure in South Asia (ACSIIS)', demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing gender equality and empowering women economically.

The 6th edition of the Awards celebrated women representing diverse professions such as banking and finance, hospitality, media, legal, logistics and supply chains, entrepreneurship, amongst others, for their outstanding achievements and inspiring influence on their communities. The event also recognized Maldivian organizations that have played a pivotal role in promoting women’s business leadership and growth.

"The Professional & Career Women Awards in the Maldives celebrate a decade-long partnership between WIM and IFC, now extended with EU’s support to promote sustainability and diversity. WIM Maldives is committed to empowering the 2024 Award winners to become role models for equitable and inclusive workplaces. This collaboration underscores our shared vision for women’s leadership as a cornerstone of sustainable growth," said Sulochana Segera, Founder and Chairperson of Women in Management (WIM).

With over 50 nominations, the judging, which was conducted purely based on merit, was chaired by Fathimath Manike, Development Banking Director at Bank of Maldives. Joining her on the panel are Abdul Latheef, President of SME Federation Maldives; Manoji Wadugodapitiya, Managing Director of PAMS Hydro Group, Sri Lanka; Mariam Waheeda, Permanent Member of Maldives Scout and Guide Fellowship; Pramita Ray, Gender Specialist for South Asia at IFC; and Dr. Ravi Dissanayake, Professor in the Department of Marketing Management, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka.

“Women, especially women of color, face barriers to leadership often imposed by systems that fear their potential. I want my daughters to grow up seeing women in leadership as a reality, not just a dream. Equality is not just a women’s issue—it’s a social issue that requires men to stand with women and challenge systems of oppression. When women lead, everyone thrives.” She also highlighted, “Even in a geographically dispersed country like ours, women are breaking barriers and leading their communities. This year’s awards, held in collaboration with the International Finance Corporation and the European Union, mark a significant step toward advancing gender equality and creating lasting change in the Maldives and beyond," Speaking at the event, Minha Faiz Rashaad, President of WIM Maldives stated.

The ‘Professional and Career Women Awards – Maldives’ was powered by gold sponsor – Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), partner – Medtech, Supporting Partner – Maldives National University, host partner – Kurumba Maldives and media partner – One Media Group.

With over 170 past award winners from Maldives, the ‘Professional and Career Women Awards – Maldives’ aims to showcase the significant role women play as leaders, employees, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders in contributing to sustainable and inclusive economic growth in the country.

  • Career Leadership Award in Sales & Marketing - Mariyam Maaisha, Director of Sales & Marketing, Highrise Group
  • Career Leadership Award in Management - Aminath Ali, Campus Manager/The Maldives National University, Kulhudhuffushi Campus and Vice President/Southern
  • Career Leadership Award in Risk Management - Safeenaz Hassan, Secretary General, National Disaster Management Authority
  • Career Leadership Award in Fashion Designing - Fathimath Haleem (Chompy), Owner, Chompys Collection
  • Career Leadership Award in Human Resource Development - Fathimath Jabeen General Manager, Human Resources, MTCC
  • Career Leadership Award in Administration - Hawwa Haseena, Director, MMPRC
  • Career Leadership Award in Media - Asima Nizar, Sub-Editor, Mihaaru News
  • Career Leadership in Medical Sector - Dr.Fathimath Mufliha, Senior Consultant in Radiology in Malé Group of Hospitals, IGMH
  • Career Leadership Award in Mentoring & Coaching - Fathimath Afiya, Managing Director, A-Focus Academy, Founder of Maldives Talent (NGO)
  • Career Leadership Award in Aviation - Fathimath Nathasha Latheef, Flight Operations Inspector, Maldives Civil Aviation Authority
  • Career Leadership Award in Business Management - Aminath Shaeera, Co- Founder/Achievia Consultancy
  • Career Leadership Award in Business Development - Aishath Alaa Abdul Hannan, Deputy Manager, Corporate Strategy & Business Development Trans Maldivian Airways
  • Career Leadership Award in Human Resource Management - Aishath Shazleena, HR & Admin Manager V.A.M & Co
  • Career Leadership Award in Auditing - Aminath Reema Rasheed, Founder and Managing Partner, Coencio LLP
  • Arts & Music Award - Fathimath Fezleen, Band Leader and Band Owner, Detuneband
  • Arts & Crafts Award - Mariyam Faiza, Artisan and Master Weaver
  • Woman Entrepreneur of the Year (Small) - Aminath Seema, Owner, Aimi’s Pastry
  • Leadership in Social Impact Award - Asma Hassan, General Secretary of Bicycle Association of Maldives
  • Arts & Literature Award - Aishath Hussain Manik, President, Poet’s Organization
  • Glocal Woman of the Year - Aminath Zaady, Chief Operating Officer, Brennia Resort, Management and Founder, Rouf, a Co-living Brand in Singapore
  • Sports Woman of the Year - Fathimath Ibrahim, Paralympian
  • International Woman of the Year, Entrepreneurship - Shiyama Ahmed, Owner, TOPSY Training Centre
  • Woman Entrepreneur of the Year (Medium) - Fathimath Shirmeela, Sole Proprietorship and Owner Cuddle Care Day Care
  • Woman Of The Year - President, Women’s Development Committee Aa. Ukulhas, Zahiyya Mohamed
  • Youth Leader of the Year - Maryam Thasannum Waheed, Executive Board Member, Women & Democracy
  • Male Champion of the Year - Ahmed Anwar, Chairperson, Hope for Women
  • NGO of the Year - Care Society
  • Woman with a Cause - Mariyam Fiyaza, Co-founder and Secretary General, Alzheimer’s Society of Maldives (ASM)
  • Corporate Leadership in Diversity, Inclusivity and Equity - Dhiraagu