ANNUAL AWARDS 2016

WINNER‘ S PROFILE

WOB ANNUAL AWARDS 2016 HONORARY AWARD FOR WOMEN LEADERSHIP & EXCELLENCE PRESIDENT WOMEN ON BOARDS

FATHIMATH SHAFEEGA

In Maldivian Society women are often societal life and corporate life without unrecognized and unappreciated for neglecting their social responsibility their infinite contribution to the society. towards the society. In choosing The number of women active in the winners of this year’s WOB fulfilling the different responsibilities of Annual Awards, the independent the society is numerous. Regardless Jury Committee has reviewed the of the number, many generations contribution in all these aspects to have evolved and the role of women choose the ultimate winners in the and their contribution to the society is respective categories. being overlooked or taken as granted! I take this opportunity to thank the Jury This societal norm is saddening and Committee Members and especially this is the main reason why Women the Chairperson of the Committee on Boards (WOB) has introduced Dr. Aishath Muneeza and all the its Annual Awards to acknowledge members and stakeholders of our and appreciate capable women in NGO, for their unabated effort to make society that have contributed to the this dream of WOB a reality. I thank all development in different ways. the sponsors and partners especially As the President of WOB - an NGO, Dhivehi Insurance and PSM; for their I am happy that our NGO has taken continuous support. this initiative and will continue to do Last, but not least, I congratulate all so annually, In Sha Allah. We will the winners of WOB Annual Awards definitely continue to appreciate 2016! It is my humble request to women in our society and will continue all winners to become a mentor for inspiring more and more to succeed. women who needs guidance and also The women profiled in this publication to nominate one woman for the next are role models for humankind who year’s award whom they feel deserves have illustrated leadership capability recognition. with humanity and have balanced Thank You and Best Wishes WOMEN ON BOARDS ANNUAL AWARDS 2016

WOB Annual Awards embraces professionals together with business the strength of exceptional working operations that promote gender diversity. women. We also recognize the wisdom of those who facilitate these Join us in celebrating the strength of women to do so; we want them to these women and help us to show know that their hard work and wisdom appreciation to the corporate boards help us to achieve the shared goals that practice gender diversity. In this of companies, organizations and way, we will continue to empower and of the society. Our Annual Awards support the strength of these women provides a prestigious platform to who will bring about positive changes honor outstanding and successful in our society.

YOUR ROLE IN EMPOWERING

It is the inevitable truth that when women are empowered socially and economically, they become;

A driving force towards poverty eradication. Help to reduce gender inequality. Contribute to economic growth. All in all improve the quality of life for the community. Educated and empowered women not only bring about changes in the workplace, they also nurture the ones at home towards a path of personal growth. We as a society admire these women and hope that they inspire others to succeed as well.

By recognizing and appreciating them, you show your on going support for their achievements. SPONSORED BY

SPONSORED BY WOB DISTINCTION & AWARD FOR BEST WOMAN CEO IN PRIVATE SECTOR 2016

NASEEMA ZAKARIYYA Specialisation: Baking, Arts & Crafts Experience: 33 years

Naseema has 33 years of experience teaching others fostering others. in the professional field and was awarded President’s Award in 2007 She joined with Saba Maldives to for her contributions to the community conduct a workshop to teach Bag she lives in. Her work is diverse and Making courses in 2015 and also to she showcases her multitasks in conduct another workshop to teach all her goals in life. She has work Dream Catcher Making courses experience in the regions: Ha, H.dh, in 2014. She also participated N, B, Lh, A.dh,V, M, Dh, Tha, Gdh, in Dhivehinge Fannu in 2013. S. Number of training programs Such experience always helps conducted in these Atolls come to a her to remember and focus on total of 69 programs in 36 islands. This the importance of educating the experience enabled her to interact community. Knowledge doesn’t limit with Maldivians all over the country. itself to a certain skill or age, this she She is always been honored to share has always believed in all her work. her knowledge. This experience was She bases herself on such values so also very pleasant for her because that she can always continue to learn she really likes meeting new people. and grow. She finds joy in the company of others, In 1985, she opened up a business that provided course materials and taught provides trainings that encourages each and every one of the above- the creativity of the society. To mentioned courses. Not limiting her showcase her talent to the community self, she has proven herself in each she continuously participates in fairs task she puts her head in to. It has and events, this is also done to invite always been important for her to new talent to learn a new skill. In her expand herself as much as she can, lifetime, she has so far conducted to learn new crafts to better herself. 33 courses in Male in which ranges The people who supports her and in: Cake Decoration, Sugar Flower, stands by her plays a huge part in her Wedding Cakes, Cup Cakes, Better success today. Baking, Pastry Course, Paper toll, Paper Emboss, Parchment Craft, It is her ultimate goal to keep sharing Fabric Art Painting, Glass Painting, the knowledge she has. The arts and Creative Art Painting, Pyrography, creative community of the society Stocking Flower, Clay Flower, Clay contributes to the well being of it Molding, Screen Printing, Crystal as much as any other. It is always Ornaments, Cloth Flowers, Pottery important to recognize the importance Painting, Ceramic Painting, Crochet, of encouraging and fostering it. Paper Quilling, Punch Needle, Bead During her starting years, she always Embroidery, Ribbon Embroidery, believed that it was possible to achieve Hand Embroidery, Machine, her dreams despite the obstacles Embroidery Soft Toys, Dress Making, one faces. It has always been her Bag Making, Household Items Sewing determination to keep moving forward, and Smocking. to always pursue her dreams because in the end of the day, achieving your She has been involved in developing dreams brings you immense joy. the course schedules, syllabuses, WOB DISTINCTION & AWARD FOR BEST WOMAN MANAGER 2016

GAMEERA ADAM Specialisation: Farming Experience: 25 years

It would be hard to find a farmer more Gameera found an uninhabited island. determined than Gameera Adam of She approached the man who held Maldives. Although she came from the lease from the government, and a farming family on the island of who had not developed the land, and Thoddoo, it’s not common for women convinced him to let her family farm from rural communities to engage there. From earlier trips to the capital in agricultural activities with clear of Malé, a four and a half hour journey links to the economy on uninhabited by boat from Thoddoo, Gameera islands. Gameera’s family, however, had seen all sorts of fruits and encouraged her to be independent, vegetables at the market. In Thoddoo, and never told her she couldn’t be a most farmers had tiny plots of land farmer. So when she was 17, she and and could only grow watermelons. her husband Ali Waheed looked for Gameera bought a variety of seeds land of their own to cultivate. from Malé to plant on her new farm. With Ali Waheed, she began working Maldives is a double chain of 26 atolls, the land, growing chilies, cucumbers or groups of islands, in the Indian and variety of gourds. Ocean. Many are small and deserted. Her neighbours on Thoddoo did not to allow her to farm on an un-leased, approve. They told her farming was uninhabited island, and is working to not appropriate work for a woman; see that she gets a lease for the land. that her skin would turn dark. But The minister recognized a pioneer Gameera was determined to farm. when he saw one: Gameera Adam After harvesting her crops, Ali Waheed is one of only a few women that farm took them by boat to nearby resorts uninhabited islands. But she may not and sold them. Gameera took what be the last. Another novelty about Ms was left to the market in Malé. With Gameera is her success at bringing their profits they expanded. Gameera her farm produce to the market outside scouted for other uninhabited islands. of her local community. These days After a few years, she and her growing she also uses her farm to demonstrate family and staff were farming on to the younger generation that farming seven of them, subleasing all of them can be a good business and provide from leaseholders who had left them for a good life. And that includes undeveloped. women.

Each time, they started with nothing: For the future, Gameera would like building basic infrastructure for shelter her government to keep pressing the and clean water, and risking personal world community on climate change, safety and security. And each time, as she sees soil erosion increasing the leaseholders for these islands on the islands. And, Gameera eventually saw how well Gameera’s says: “I want them to do more to business was doing, and demanded enable women to contribute to the at least half of her profits. Gameera development of Maldives through refused. She lost her farms, but not agriculture and other fields.” Gameera her determination. Instead, she went Adam is the perfect example of the right to the top, approaching the strong contributions women can make Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture to their countries and societies. and explaining her plight. He agreed WOB DISTINCTION & AWARD FOR BEST WOMAN MANAGER 2016

HAWWA LATHEEF Specialisation: Management Experience: 11 years

In both her primary and secondary With the inception of Islamic University education, she achieved the Best of Maldives, she was appointed as the All round Student Award. She has a Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Bachelor of Science in Commerce with Affairs) at the University by His a major in Accounting from Al-Azhar Excellency Honorable Abdulla Yameen University, Cairo, Egypt, obtained in Abdul Gayyoom, the President of 2004. Hawwa Latheef started her Republic of Maldives. Hawwa Latheef professional career at Institute of was eagerly engaged and played the Islamic Studies (later College of Islamic leading role in the establishment of Studies) as a Secretary in 1995. In 2005, the Islamic University of Maldives. She she took up the post of an Assistant also played a vital role in the process Lecturer at the College and continued of strategic planning, formulation of in teaching students in this role, until vision, mission, and regulations of the her promotion to the post of Registrar Islamic University. in 2006. Later, she was assigned as the Vice Rector for Academic Affairs of the In addition, she is actively involved College in 2012. in the formulation of new ideas, and bringing creative concepts to the state shown remarkable organizational of the art methodologies used in the skills in carrying out all her tasks current contexts of Islamic pedagogy effectively on time, whenever a that are being incorporated into the key task is assigned in every time. Her areas of the master plan of the newly exceptional performance with passion emerged University. She has also and professionalism lead her to been efficiently involved in formulating the success in all her endeavours. and developing curriculum of different This success is more evident in her courses and academic programs of efforts for the current success of the the College and the University. As a University and of the high demand Deputy Vice-Chancellor, she plays an the University has among the general active role with a number of internal public. Her colleagues and co-workers and external committees. She is a consider her as an inspirational Vice President of Academic Board leader. The recent reception of the and a member of the University Majlis Distinguished Women Administrator (Council) and also continues to serve Award 2016 from Venus International as a member of Higher Education Foundation, The Centre for Women Master Plan Steering Committee and Empowerment, clearly speaks of her Advisory Committee on Training and achievements in this area. Skill Development, where the President of the Maldives appointed her. In the current contexts of women’s empowerment, she has been noticed In addition to this, she has participated as an emerging leader among her in volunteer work such as assisting colleagues, with strengths including and lecturing at National Drug Agency the ability to communicate well with and continued teaching different her colleagues and having excellent modules in her profession for college/ teamwork capabilities. Her enthusiasm university students. At present, she for raising issues constructively also conducts awareness programs that are relevant to gender equality and training workshops for the Hajju in leadership roles, particularly in and U’mra Pilgrims. education, has garnered attention from every sections of our society. Hawwa Latheef has displayed outstanding leadership skills and has WOB DISTINCTION & AWARD FOR BEST WOMAN MANAGER 2016

AMINATH LEELA Specialisation: Baking & Handicarfts Experience: 30years

Leela; her name is synonymous with took the initiative to join “Certificate handiwork. At the tender age of 10 Course in Pastry Making” by the school she was a girl who loved arts and of Hotel and Catering Services in Male’. crafts rather than be studious. At 14 Similarly, she started training anybody she was making an earning by sewing with a desire to bake and decorate clothes. With a desire to learn new cakes. Her very first customers were handiwork, she made flowers from family and friends, yet today she has different types of unique materials served a lot of happy clients and - stocking, fabrics, ribbon, clay, and students throughout Maldives. Leela’s paper and fish scales. Few years into catering was established in 1990. her sewing business, she was making the most elegant wedding dresses It was all a means to provide for her at that time. The desire to learn new children as a single parent as the skills got her interested in baking and sole bearer of the family. In 2001, cake decorations. Wilton Instructors conducted the Basic, Intermediate and Advance Through her baker friend, she was Cake Courses in Maldives and introduced to the world of baking. She Leela completed all three. As for handicrafts, she did Diploma in Sugar of the Kalhuohfunmi. And the 5ft tall Craft and Diploma in Creative Crafts vase made from Fish Scales. In 2016, (Mallika School of Home Science, The Government of the Maldives Sri Lanka 2002). She specialized in awarded her “Rehendhi” Award, the Mirror Carving and Paper crafts. She most prestigious award given to wanted all her skills to be recognized women who showcases incredibility professionally so completed Diploma in their work in both personal and Course in 2011 from Squires Kitchen society levels. - International School of Sugar Craft and Cake Decorating (Malaysia Her achievements also include School affiliated by UK). In 2013, she becoming a Senior Member of completed Advanced 3D Sculpting Singapore Royal Institute of Artists Course on 2013 by International and being authorized to use the Centre of Cake Artistry (Malaysia). designation MRIArt(Sr). Leela is a In 2016, she completed the Advance proud mother of four children, and Professional Master Certificate in is very proud of her more recent 2016 by the same institute. establishment “Cakes and Bakes” which has been serving the Maldivians Leela believes that people have their for the past five years. She is proud to responsibility for the society. She has have trained more than 3000 people taken the initiative to voluntarily train in handicraft, pastries, sugar flowers people in cake decoration and pastries and cake courses to date. Her dream by going to atolls and conducting is to continue to train more people trainings, sometimes to eager like her and develop herself at the students of 60-70 in the same session. same time. Today, all her four children Also she has voluntarily trained are educated responsible citizens of members of many clubs, associations the Maldives. She is thankful to her and schools. It has brought her great parents, Ahmed Manik & Zubaidha joy in teaching students who have Adam, and beloved husband, Ismail the same eagerness that she had Rasheed for the endless support in her. Personally, she was proud of received throughout her journey of life. “Kalhuohfunmi” cake that is a replica WOB DISTINCTION & AWARD FOR BEST WOMAN MANAGER 2016

FATHIMATH MANIKE Specialisation: Banking Experience: 30years

Fathimath Manike commenced her An organizer who allocates and banking career with State Bank of coordinates resources, both human and India, Male’ Branch in June 1978. material, to the best effect. Articulate and She is an experienced professional goal-oriented, a strong and practiced with extensive hands-on expertise communicator who uses initiative, combined with over 38 years of time management and confidence experience in the Banking and Finance in a personal performance role and Industry. Prior to the appointment of establishes stable relationships at all Director, Islamic Banking, Fathimath levels. Proactive and innovative with in- Manike was the Assistant General depth knowledge of the Banking Industry. Manager for Development Banking, Human Resources and Operations of Fathimath Manike had been engaged Bank of Maldives. in development banking activities since 1990 and held charge of all She is skilled in all management/ development banking activities of administration roles and functions, BML from 1992 till 2013. She is among including human resource management. the pioneers of development banking in the Maldives with key strengths in opportunities and income levels, with portfolio of micro as well as small and particular focus on the lower income medium enterprises. She has vast group. experience of development banking and poverty reduction by hands She is a momentous in introducing on experience and participating in mobile banking (Dhoni Banking) programs held across South East Asia in Maldives. Through emphasis on and Pacific and working with donor women in the islands by various agencies like IFAD, ADB and IDB. She projects, she has managed to create has taken up the new role of Islamic tremendous awareness amongst Banking Director in June 2013 with the women and also made them realize a challenge to set up an Islamic Baking part of their potential. window at Bank of Maldives. Her prominent role in the set up of Some of her biggest career Islamic Banking Window in BML, achievements are playing a role in laying recognizing the significant level the foundation of development banking of demand that exists for Islamic in the Maldives and developing a credit Banking and the need to give people delivery capability in the outer Atolls and business more choice, the choice and successfully reducing the income to strictly follow Islamic principles in disparity between the outer Atolls and their Banking showed a new era in our Male’ by increasing the employment community. WOB DISTINCTION & AWARD FOR BEST WOMAN MANAGER 2016

SUNEETHA MOHAMED Specialisation: Coordinator at Ministry of Economic Development, Founding Member, Vice Chairperson, Women’s Economic Development Experience: 29 years

Suneetha Mohamed started her career Committee, Galholhu Ward. She acted in 1987, as a Telex operator in Ministry as a treasurer for the Badminton of Foreign Affairs, since then she Association, was a board member for has filled many positions in public the Bashi Ball Association and she is and private sector. Suneetha, has currently serving as a board member volunteered and has served as a of the Maldives Music and Art Center. social worker at the Ministry of Law and Gender in the Maldives since In addition to this she has also worked 2007, where she has more than 2000 in the development community for hours of volunteer service. These over 10 years. She is a founding included being a member of Saba member of Women’s Economic Maldives and Hope for Women, Development (WED) a NGO working being a member of different clubs at towards empowering and working work such as the Recreation Club, towards development of women in and also being the Vice President the economic growth in the Maldives. of the Club along with being the She is also the Vice Chairperson for VP for the Women’s Development the WED. Currently, Suneetha is filling the role of Coordinator in Ministry on Boards have helped her grow and of Economic Development. She is expand herself in different ways. During deeply committed to her work and her time in filling the above-mentioned played a crucial role in organizing and positions she has raised her voice on leading grand Exhibitions such as the rights of women in Maldives and Maldives Economic Expo 2015 and worked towards empowering women Heevagi Kanbalun Expo 2017. and against gender based violence in this community. One of the factors that makes her good at her job is that she always loves a Suneetha strives to utilize every good conversation. Pleasant and kind available stand in her efforts to raise with a sense of humor, Suneetha awareness about the social issues in pushes through her limits and works Maldives, and empowering women. hard every day to achieve her goals. She is a woman of skills, a single But then it all gets easier when you mother of two kids who works full time, meet wonderful people everyday; it is highly skilled in embroidery, sewing, is one of the things Suneetha loves crochet, paper crafts and cooking about life. The wonderful people that local delicacies. Ms. Suneetha has surrounds her helps and motivates achieved success, through her own her everyday to keep focusing on her hard work and experience. She goals. has proved that, success isn’t a big paycheck or a designation, she Suneetha is devoted to volunteering believes that it’s the difference you in NGO’s, Development Groups have made, the change that you have and community work in atolls. As brought and the work you have done mentioned before her participation for your country. She believes it’s the in Hope for Women, Maldives Music passion and commitment, which is the and Arts (Board Member) and Woman force that helps you reach success. WOB DISTINCTION & AWARD FOR BEST WOMAN MANAGER 2016

AISHATH SHIRDHA Specialisation: Business Administration Experience: 21 years

Shirdha started working as a Postal to her work never wavered; she has Officer (trainee) in Maldives Post always kept her work one of her Limited, during her 20 years of highest priorities. To balance work life experience she moved up from one with your personal life is challenging post to the other. Some of them for any one out there, specially for were her moving up the ranks of a women who decides to have a career Postal Officer, from Grade 1 up to a and succeed in it. Shirdha has always senior officer in Grade 3. After that been very content with the rewards of she became the Assistant Director a professional life and so chooses to and then finally, being promoted to balance it. her current post as the Assistant General Manager of Maldives Post Her mother is her biggest support Limited, she does feel like it’s a huge and motivation. Shirdha’s mother took accomplishment. care of her as a single parent and never let her feel that she was missing At work, she is in charge of internal anything. She learned many things relations and philatelic, her key roles from her mother who is actually giving include implementing and conduction her the most strength to move forward. international projects. Her commitment She was taught how to be a strong and independent woman, who can received from the management, the take care of herself. When a woman motivation they gave her, making her realizes her full potential, she gets the believe that she can always do it. strength to move forward and not just live, but to succeed in it. It was a turning point for her when she won the most outstanding participant Shirdha also believes that her colleagues award in Bangkok for a short training plays as much of a significant part in program. It came as a surprise but her motivation as her mother. She was gave her a lot of strength to move very young and new when she joined forward towards new dreams. She Maldives Post but the team guided her was looking for opportunities to grow in a way that it took few months for her and then she received the scholarship to adjust in to the new environment. from Maldives Post Limited, for higher She is working in Maldives Post studies, which again opened a whole Limited because of the team there, new door. Above all she thanks Allah their support and guidance. She puts Subhanahu wa ta’ala, for all that she great emphasis on the knowledge she has achieved. WOB DISTINCTION & AWARD FOR BEST WOMAN MANAGER 2016

AMINATH SHARUMA Specialisation: Business Administration Experience: 19 years

After completing O’ levels first thing counter in 1998. Along with the career Sharuma did was to join Maldives Post she fulfilled various responsibility of Limited. In 2008 the company provided the sales department ranging from a scholarship for further studies in counter supervision to manager International Business. She completed and now as a head of business her first Degree in International development and marketing. Being a Business in the University of East member of postal service of the country London. She was selected as the one has led her through an incredibly of the most outstanding student of rewarding professional journey. The the year 2012 and got a scholarship lessons and experience gained from the college to do Masters in through her career has opened her up Business Administration. This was a to so many professional opportunities program of University of Ballarat in and learning experiences. Australia. These experiences enabled her to accomplish her targets in the As the head of Business department workplace. and executive director of Mail operation Division, she tries her best Sharuma’s career in Maldives Post to make a difference by experimenting started as a Junior Postal officer at the new innovative ideas to tackle the growing e commerce and the During her experience in academic, betterment of the services provided sports and professional career she by Maldives Post Limited. has discovered that focus and passion plays an important role in achieving Having experience in different fields, the goals. Some of her biggest work as a Netball coach, a volunteer achievemnets in life was when she in athletics field, a part time lecture won the Mathee dharaja hoadhaa (teaching for Degree and Diploma faraaiy thakah dhey khassa inaam programs and delivering instruction 2013 given by the President office and guiding student in deploying and also when she received the assignments and project papers) and Outstanding Student Award 2012 from in her professional career, she has Stamford College, Malaysia. gone through many challenges and obstacles. What she believes each of “ With regard to the professional career, us encounters challenges or failure at I would like to say an educational one point or another, but what truly qualification will not determine how matters is how you handle the difficult far you could climb the ladder but your situation and how far you learn from attitude and the commitment to work the failure for future success. plays a critical role to be success at your professional career.” WOB DISTINCTION & AWARD FOR BEST WOMAN COMPANY SECRETARY 2016

AISHATH NATHEELA SHAREEF Specialisation: Company Secretary Experience: 30 years

Natheela has always been one to In addition, with her positive attitude, aim for the stars. This literally means her presence has such significant putting her best foot forward in impact on SIMDI Group as a whole. everything she does. When she first She always goes the extra mile to started her professional career as a accomplish the tasks and always gets youngster, she was excited for what it done before the deadline. She has was to come and she was prepared consistently and successfully proved to give it her best. In her 30 years of her worth in SIMDI and not failed experience she has continued her any of the endeavors that have been belief in herself, which had rewarded assigned to her. her with success. Natheela has proven to be a motivating She has been working as the team leader as well, she possess Executive Secretary of SIMDI since diligence and enthusiasm, which are 2009. Her main job revolves around important qualities in a leader. She performing secretarial duties to the participates in office activates and Executive Team of SIMDI and she applies herself to trainings to better performs her job roles with perfection. herself further. This consistency and never ending commitment in her work Natheela with her outstanding and attitude towards her professional qualities has set a new benchmark work helps her to go beyond herself for all the Company Secretaries and and achieve the tasks of an executive has taken SIMDI to new heights. secretary. Her thoroughness; preciseness and vigilance in her work certify her to be Some of the most significant factors the best at what she does. Natheela of motivation for her comprises of her was highly praised by SIMDI when support system in work and outside they nominated her for this award. work. Natheela strongly feel’s that There is no doubt that hard work and SIMDI is a company that paves the determination can make you one of way for any man or woman who is the greatest pioneers in your field, willing and trying to succeed in life. It Natheela is proof of that. is always important for someone who is looking for a professional career to Natheela strongly believes that it be at an excellent work environment. is important for the youth of this Natheel feels very lucky to be part community to understand, that it takes of such a company that follows great practice and commitment to get impeccable ethics and treats everyone the best out of you in every situation. fairly, and with respect. She would So if you apply yourself to something, also like to thank all those people who it’s of utmost importance for you to not she has outside work; they grow her give up. determination as well. WOB DISTINCTION & AWARD FOR BEST YOUNG WOMAN PROFESSIONAL 2016

DR. MARIYAM SHAHUNEEZA NASEER Specialisation: Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment Experience: 11 years

Dr. Mariyam Shahuneeza Naseer is Journal published by MNNF Publisher, currently employed at the Islamic Malaysia. University of Maldives as the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research and Innovation). As a Curriculum, Instruction, and She has a Doctor of Education in Assessment Specialist Dr. Shahuneeza Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment has been directing the curriculum specializing in Algebra. Dr. Shahuneeza development team in designing, has presented at various international creating, revising, and structuring research conferences, published in content, activities, and materials with a international academic journals, and focus on instructional delivery methods has worked as a Scientific Committee that are best suited for the learning member of the 11th Annual Education environment and student experience. and Development Conference 2016 In addition, she has been preparing, that took place from 5-7 March 2016 in monitoring, and revising mathematics Bangkok, Thailand. At the moment, she and mathematics education curriculum; is also working as the Chairperson of developing and revising teaching International Conference on Statistics, materials; coordinating, evaluating, and Mathematics, and Actuarial Science quality assurance of curriculum delivery, (ICSMAS 2017) organized by MNNF implementation, and assessment. Her Network, Malaysia and is the Chief contribution to the curriculum development Editor of ICSMAS Review and SMAS has been recognized internationally and she has received Venus International in the field of Curriculum Development, Women Awards 2017. Presentation Honorarium 2016, Thila Uthuru Uthama Aruthaveringe Award of Dr. Shahuneeza also lectures students Recognition 2015 for the Contributions enrolled in Master’s Degree Programmes to the Education Sector, Thila Uthuru and Undergraduate Programmes since Uthama Aruthaveringe Award for Special 2011 on Data Analysis for Management Achievement 2015, Golden Key Decisions; Quantitative Research Methods; International Honour 2013, National Quantitative Analysis using Statistics; Award for Special Achievement 2012, Quantitative Research Methods in Health; and The Dean’s List Award 2010. Biostatistics; Quantitative Research Methodology; Statistics for Educational Dr. Shahuneeza has served on the Research; Mathematics; Research Academic Board of the Islamic University Methodology; Statistics and Data of Maldives as a member appointed Management; Models and Methods of by the Vice Chancellor of the Islamic Data Assessment; Mathematics for University of Maldives. Currently she Management; Quantitative Methods for serves on the Postgraduate Admission Accountancy and Finance; Research Committee of the Islamic University of Methods for Business Students; Maldives as the member appointed by the Learning and Teaching of Mathematics Vice Chancellor of the Islamic University I; Teaching Numbers in the Early Years of Maldives. In addition, Dr. Shahuneeza II; Mathematics for Primary Teachers; currently serves as University Council Ex- Introductory Algebra; Mathematics Officio Member of the Islamic University Education I; Mathematics Education II; of Maldives, appointed by the President Essential Mathematics; Fundamental of the Maldives and also Academic Mathematics; Intermediate Mathematics; Board Ex-Officio Member of the Islamic Advanced Mathematics and Statistics; University of Maldives, appointed by Foundational Mathematics 1; and the President of the Maldives. She is Foundational Mathematics 2. also the Chairperson of the Scholarship Committee of the Islamic University of Academic Honours and Awards Dr. Maldives. Dr. Shahuneeza conducts Shahuneeza has received include Research Workshops and Professional Young Women in Social Science 2017 Development Seminars on pro bono for the contribution and achievement basis as part of her community service. WOB DISTINCTION & AWARD FOR BEST YOUNG WOMAN PROFESSIONAL 2016

IRUM SABA Specialisation: Economics, Finance, Islamic Banking Experience: 12 years

Saba has more than 12 years of in Islamic Finance (CEIF)-IBA. She progressive regulatory, research, delivers training both at local and training and teaching experience with international levels in addition to organizations of international repute. teaching, research and administrative She has the honor to be first Pakistani work. She has written several articles female to be part of International and chapters in books on the topics Shariah Advisory Boards in South East of corporate governance, Islamic Asia and Middle East. She is honorary finance and Islamic microfinance. secretary of the Chartered Institute of Islamic Finance Professionals (CIIF), Her responsibilities include being Malaysia. She is also the Chair of the Assistant Professor of the ICIFE Pakistan Chapter. Department of Economics and Finance in IBA, Pakistan. She also She is Assistant Professor in Institute acts as the Honorary Secretary of of Business Administration, Karachi. Chartered Institute of Islamic Finance She is program director of MS Islamic Professionals (CIIF) in Malaysia. She is Banking and Finance at IBA. She is also a member of the Shariah Board in also coordinator of Academics and Addengreens, UAE and a coordinator Research at Centre for Excellence of Academics and Research Centre for Excellence in Islamic Finance She is a Shariah-registered financial (CEIF) in IBA Pakistan. She also plays planner (Shariah RFP). She holds a key role as the program Director, the Chartered Islamic Finance MS Islamic Banking and Finance in Professional (CIFP) credential from IBA Pakistan and the Chair of ICIFE INCEIF with distinction and PhD in Pakistan Chapter. Islamic Finance from INCEIF. She holds a Master in Commerce (M.Com) She has extensive regulatory experience with distinction and PGD in Islamic with specific focus to promote Islamic Banking and Insurance from Institute banking and Finance while working of Islamic Banking and Insurance in the Islamic Banking Department of (IIBI), London. Her areas of interest State Bank of Pakistan - The Central are Shariah, Wealth planning and Bank. She has also contributed to the Management, Islamic microfinance, promotion and growth of Takaful industry corporate governance and Islamic while working with the Securities and finance. Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP). WOB DISTINCTION & AWARD FOR BEST YOUNG WOMAN PROFESSIONAL 2016

NAFHA FAROOQ Specialisation: Presenter MVTV, CFO Women and Democracy Ngo Experience: 7 years

Nafha Farooq is one of the rising shows, special edition programmes young professionals in the country and other programmes as well in best known as a presenter and both Dhivehi and English mostly for speaker and is an active member of educational and entertainment genres the civil society and an advocate for targeting young audiences. Women’s empowerment. At a young age, this 19 year old has started to In MVTV she does a morning talk make her mark through various fields. show, which also helps her to cover Nafha is currently working a presenter stories on rising artists, entrepreneurs, for the local TV channel MVTV after public figures, NGOs, and other graduating A’ Levels. Due to her love institutions. She also does a religious for public speaking and presenting, programme that focus on Islamic she has been in the field since 2010, context and political talk show that when she was only 13 years old. She focus on current affairs as well. She is started her career in presenting in the currently working on a TV Series called state-media Dhivehi Raajjeyge Adu ‘Hiyahemi’ meaning ‘big-hearted or as a presenter for radio shows. She kind-hearted women’ in Old Dhivehi was a voluntary presenter in Dhivehi featuring prominent female figures in Raajjeyge Adu till 2016 doing live different fields. She hopes that this programme promotes women and diligent contributions in helping to fights clichés by creating meaningful promote Maldivian language, culture dialogue about the different fields that and heritage. such exemplary women work in whilst inspiring the society. As a previous student she has always been an active leader in student Nafha also makes it a goal to contribute affairs as the School Captain of two to society in other ways. Today She is years and achieving the best-all- one of the youngest Chief Operating round student award in her secondary Officer’s appointed to a non-profit in school. She is an achiever of 1st place the Maldives- Women & Democracy. in the national top 10 achievers of both Women and Democracy is a recently O’ levels and A’ levels and her active established NGO that works towards participation in an organizing level as economic and political empowerment a Student and volunteer since a young of women and promoting women in age has led her to become someone leadership and policymaking. who faces challenges, breaks barriers and is target-oriented. Public speaking being one of her strengths, she has addressed in She believes in the importance of several national ceremonies and establishing democratic values and seminars. From 2014 onwards she the essentiality of empowered women now plays her role in coaching those in ensuring that every voice is heard. younger, the skill of public speaking She hopes to utilize her strengths to and debate as well for National raise concern and become a catalyst Competitions. Her love for Maldivian for better change. “I think this country language especially, along with our has incredible potential. I want to use culture, heritage and history was my strengths, my knowledge and the one of the causes for her active experience I gain to take action now, involvements in several activities and to speak up now and to play my part events for Dhivehi Language Academy in society. I have come to find that and she is one of the youngest people no matter how hard your fight is, if who has won a national award of you have a strong will and an honest appreciation by this Academy for her passion, you’ll make it.” WOB DISTINCTION & AWARD FOR BEST YOUNG WOMAN PROFESSIONAL 2016

AMINATH SHAYAAN SHAHID Specialisation: Management Experience: 14 years

Aminath Shaayan Shahid was Business Unit) at one of the state born on the 4th of April 1987. Today Owned trading Company named she is a dedicated person with a State trading Organization PLC from family of 3, a mother of a beautiful 31st May 2010 till 10th August 2011. 2-year-old daughter. She has been Furthermore she has worked as successful at raising a family, and a Human Resource Manager and attributes this success to her ability Administration Managerial capacity to plan, schedule, and handle many at a Multi-national Airline Company different tasks at once. She is also a named MEGA Maldives Airlines since very committed and result oriented December 2012 till December 2014. person who has completed her first Accordingly she has the experience class honor Degree at Limkokwing as the Public relation Manager at the University of creative Technology same Company from December 2014 on December 2009 with a Business till April 2015. Management experience for the last At Present She is the Deputy 10 years, over that time she have Managing Director and board member served several leadership roles. of the National Media Company She has an experience of working known as Public Service Media. as a Marketing Manager (Head of Besides, she is the chairperson of the governance and remuneration Manager for the STO Blood donation committee of the Governing Board of camp and Promotions conducted for Public Service Media. Her very first job the year 2010 and 2011. She was the experience was at Maldives Transport Manager to run STO Road shows and and Contracting Company (MTCC) similar events. Also represented STO on June 2003 as Admin Officer. Since for Hitachi Distributorship Seminar. September 2003 she switched her job Maldivian Idol Season 1: Well, this to Admin Officer at Villa Shipping and was the dream project of hers! The Trading and worked at this company very first franchise reality show in for a year. Maldives. As the project head of She started her job at State trading Maldivian Idol season 1, she faced a Organization on the12th of July 2004 lot of hurdles and challenges to reach and served the organization for 7 to the success of this show. Another consecutive years. she first joined proud moment of hers, being the the organization as the secretary project head of the very first franchise at IT Department. With her endless reality show in Maldives, Maldivian contribution and effort, within few Idol season 1 winner Laisha Junaid years time she was promoted to Sales representing Maldives at ABU TV Manager Gr3 at STO super market song festival, which was held in Bali, and Organizational change Manager/ Indonesia on October 2016. OCM Lead for SAP implement Project. After she was appointed as the Throughout the employment at STO Deputy Managing Director of Public she took the initiative by leading service Media, she has successfully several events. Likewise she organized represented Public service media in STO Dinner Night 2007 Show event different seminars, conferences and and organized Town hall Meeting to meetings abroad. all STO staff. She was the Leading WOB DISTINCTION & AWARD FOR BEST YOUNG WOMAN PROFESSIONAL 2016

MARIYAM MEENA HUSSAIN Specialisation: Pre School Principal Experience: 6 years

Mariyam has always been enthusiastic a blessing to be part of fostering the and a very committed person with youth of Ga. Gemanafushi. natural ability to appreciate and inspire She is a well-presented, inspirational children. Known as a role model for person who is committed to raising students and other staff members. standards, ensuring that students Effectively deal with students from acquire and consolidate knowledge, foundation stage till key stage 2. skills and understanding and has (Children age 2 to 11/12). She opened an intense working knowledge of a the door for preschool education for teachers’ professional duties and legal the students in the entire island of liabilities, and is a great team member Ga. Gemanafushi since 2011 and 2 with a proven record of coordinating years educating the young children a curriculum area. Mariyam receives voluntarily without any fee (baby a lot of support from the community nursery, nursery, LKG & UKG). she is based in; this drives and motivates her to do better everyday. It has been a pleasure for Mariyam to The appreciation she receives from share her knowledge and skills with her parents is also important for her to the children of the island. It is indeed keep doing better. Her work experience includes working her work and voluntary activities, but as a teacher/leading teacher since also her family that comprises of her 2010 at Gemanafushi School, working young daughter and her husband. For as a Professional Development her, her biggest inspiration has been coordinator at Gemanafushi School, her mother who has always shown working as the Principal voluntarily her that she can dream and achieve since 2011 at Zamaanee Preschool any goal, given that she is prepared (ZPS) and teaching and participating to work for it. in organizing events. Mariyam is known to possess the ability to multitask in a “In such a society where women fast paced environment. Known for needs to be empowered, I would like assisting with the implementation of to highlight the importance of the school programs including filed trips, support we receive everyday, from our sports meets and student exhibitions. parents and family, from our husbands and children. This support helps us Mariyam also works as the secretary to go out into the world, achieve our of women’s branch in Gold Jamiyya goals and provide our country with the Ga. Gemanafushi. She understands services it requires from us. It helps us the importance of working for the get up, if life ever decides to knock you empowerment of women and so down. I am able to carry this support distributes her time among her with me; it gives me the strength to work and voluntary activities. For a teach my kids in school and class.” workingwomen she not just balances WOB DISTINCTION & AWARD FOR BEST YOUNG WOMAN PROFESSIONAL 2016

HMATH ASHWA FAHEEM Specialisation: Photographer Experience: 7 years

The Maldives can be a challenging the hurdles worthwhile. From being place for a woman to dedicate her on expeditions to climb the highest career to a profession like photography. mountain in West Malaysia or walking But Ashwa has always believed in in virgin forests to document the works not limiting her goals just based on of scientists in Borneo, she has never restrictions or ways of thinking that shied away from an opportunity just have long been considered societal because it was challenging or labelled norms. On the contrary, Ashwa ‘unwomanly’. However, her true encourages women of all ages not passion lays in utilising photography to give up on their hearts’ desires as a visual medium of storytelling- and to stay true to one’s own values the stories of the often forgotten or regardless of the opinion of others. overlooked. Ashwa herself faced many obstacles as a female photographer, but the She immersed herself in journalistic places the camera has taken her photography during some of the and the people she has met along most turbulent times in modern the way, has been rewarding and Maldivian history, between 2011 and made every struggle to overcome 2014. By always standing in the front line, be it during a violent protest or diaspora worldwide, and the West’s a state function, Ashwa through her stereotyping and prejudice towards images, brought the tears of a mother the hijab. Ashwa has always believed mourning the loss of her son, the that photography is a medium that is smiles of a jubilant nation celebrating understood universally regardless of a football victory, the solemnity of one’s social status, gender, political dignitaries on state visits, the fervour standing, or ethnicity. of protestors standing up for their rights, and the vivacity of politicians Her experiences and endeavours on their campaign trails, into people’s thus far makes her trust in the power homes; she became the eye for many of photography in connecting the lives Maldivians who couldn’t be there to and stories of individuals whose paths witness it themselves. wouldn’t otherwise intersect. It is these beliefs that has made her dedicate the Even during a time when media was past 6 years of her life documenting swamped by politics, she still managed social issues both nationally and to find the time, many a time at odd internationally, and hopes to bring hours, for her own ‘passion projects’ about social change for those who and to turn her lens to tell the stories need it most, and anticipate that her of the less fortunate. Ashwa’s photo images fall on the eyes of individuals stories on the questionable living or organisations who have the conditions for many in the densely- benevolence and capacity to bring populated capital Male’, the plight of about such change. expat workers in undesirable working environments, and the unseen At a time when social media can be ‘midnight angels’ who keep our streets utilised to allow photography and the clean, often spoke out poignantly on other mediums of art to have their behalf of her subjects and served as greatest ever reach in history, Ashwa an eye opener for many who could bases her work on the fact that; then no longer ignore how the other “... Our country is at a point where we half lived. are capable, and desperately in need of, creating common awareness about During the time of her Masters in social, political and environmental Photography, through the medium of issues, to end apathy and idleness, photography Ashwa explored sensitive and to encourage both men and and difficult issues such as FGM, women to work alongside each other which is still common amongst many in bringing about the positive change communities in Africa as well as their we believe our society deserves.” WOB DISTINCTION & AWARD FOR BEST YOUNG WOMAN PROFESSIONAL 2016

RAIDHA ISMAIL SHAFEEG Specialisation: Fashion Designing Experience: 5 years

Born in Maldives (1998) Raidha envision masterpieces that exude Shafeeg began her career studying feminist and sensuality with a creative fashion design in Northumbria touch that is all her own. university UK at AOD (Academy of Design) in Sri Lanka. Graduating And now after spending the last few from the Academy of Design in 2010 years working on perfecting her craft Raidha came back to Maldives with and learning new techniques through the hope of launching her own brand the process, Raidha is back to amaze and creating a label that speaks to us with her creative approach to modern women in a way that no other luxury ready to wear collections. designer has ever done before. Her Her enthusiasm and her exuberated youthful charm, her elegance, her confidence are some of the strongest eye for beauty has led her through suits she has and she wears them the path of making woman beautiful. extremely well. The passion she has She dresses women to be confident for art and design and how she sees and who never shies away from taking the world and takes inspiration from risks. For over five years her passion the earth to the air she breathes in an inborn talent has combined to manifests on the ramp. Channeling Coco Chanel in her work studio to of Maldives based in Male’ city and feeling like Diane Von Furstenburg the the first Maldivian Clothing brand princess of fashion. selling internationally which was She is one to watch out for in the founded in 2015 by Raidha Shafeeg. industry. The Brand Sells Woman’s Clothing, which are specially manufactured in She is welcoming all women to her Sri Lanka and Maldives. The brand is atelier opened since January of 2015 famous for designing unique, minimal to view her collections and place yet elegant, such as tops and dresses, custom bespoke orders. Focusing on from ready to wear garments to party girls and women from the ages 15 and dresses with the latest trends. above, Raidha’s Atelier is fast running and open for business and she plans Her belief in hard work has paved her on connecting to her niche and selling the way to make her lifelong dream her collection via her online shopping become a reality. portal which was established on the “Waiting for the launch of the 15th of November and her soon to brand has been nerve wrecking as be flagship store in the city. Bringing everything has to be perfect,” says the modernity and elegance into modern enthusiastic designer. “I have to know Maldivian women making them feel at every single detail of every single ease while looking their absolute best, piece; the type of fabric, the quality Raidha plans on staying for long and of the fabric and where it comes will stay for long. from. Everything matters, and having travelled all parts of the world finding Raidha Shafeeg is the founder and the best material, I am very proud of owner of brand Raidha’s Maldives. what I have produced. This is a proud Raidha’s Maldives is a clothing brand moment for me”.

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