FACT-CHECK: Who Was The First Female Minister of Maldives?

During a recent debate for the upcoming parliamentary elections in the Maldives, Aishath Nahula, the Former Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation and the Deputy Leader of Jumhooree Party, made a bold assertion that she was the first female minister of the Maldives. However, a closer examination of historical records contradicts this claim. 

Fact- Check: 

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Contrary to Nahula’s assertion, the historical record clearly indicates that she was not the first female minister in Maldives history. The title of the first female cabinet minister in the Maldives is attributed to Mrs. Moomina Haleem, who was appointed as the Health Minister on January 6, 1977, by President Ibrahim Nasir. As such, Haleem’s political journey began earlier when she contested in the 1974 parliamentary elections and became the first woman elected to the People’s Majlis.

Moreover, even before Mrs. Moomina Haleem’s appointment, there were notable female figures who held significant political roles in the Maldives. One such example is Fatima Ibrahim Didi, also known as Princess Fatima Tuttu Goma, who served as the President of the senate in the Maldives from 1953 to 1954. 

Additionally, in recent history, there have been strides towards gender equality in the Maldivian political landscape. For instance, in 2018, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih appointed a record number of female ministers to his cabinet, including the country’s first female defence minister, Mariya Ahmed Didi. Nahula was one of the total 7 female ministers appointed into Solih’s Cabinet.

Verdict: False

In light of these historical facts and precedents, Aishath Nahula’s claim to be the first female minister of the Maldives is debunked. It is essential to maintain accuracy and factual integrity when making historical assertions, especially in the context of public debates and electoral campaigns.