First Lady Sajidha Mohamed has hailed the State Electric Company Limited’s (STELCO) first-ever electrician course for women as a groundbreaking step toward reshaping societal norms and empowering Maldivian women with essential technical skills.
Speaking at the certificate awarding ceremony for the Beginners Electrician Course for Women, the First Lady said the initiative opens doors for women to enter a field traditionally dominated by men while equipping households with vital knowledge that can prevent accidents, reduce costs, and improve safety.
She highlighted that many fatal fires and electrical incidents in the Maldives stem from a lack of basic electrical awareness. “Information shared by relevant authorities shows that fires are frequently caused by electrical shortages, and there have been cases where lives were lost simply because people did not have basic information,” she said.
The First Lady stressed that empowering women with electrical skills not only strengthens household safety but also enables them to make informed decisions when purchasing electrical appliances—ensuring durability, efficiency, and value for money. She described the course as an initiative that will spark positive transformation at both the family and community levels.
A total of 116 women successfully completed the intensive programme, with 80 receiving their certificates at yesterday’s ceremony. The course, delivered in seven batches over three days, included three hours of practical and theoretical instruction daily. Participants were trained to troubleshoot everyday electrical issues, identify essential tools, and adopt effective energy-saving practices at home.
STELCO Managing Director Ahmed Shamah Rasheed commended the participants and praised the strong public response to the initiative. He said the programme reflects the government’s commitment to expanding opportunities for women across all sectors.
“The training was conducted by STELCO’s most experienced experts. This is a chance for women to build a skillset, enhance household safety, and even generate income. The response has been remarkable,” he said.
The electrician course—offered free of charge to women aged 16 and above—is part of STELCO’s corporate social responsibility efforts. The initiative is further strengthened by the opening of the State Utility Skills Academy in Thulusdhoo, Kaafu Atoll, a specialised training facility capable of training up to 50 individuals at a time, underscoring STELCO’s broader vision for developing skilled talent within the utilities sector.
