WOMEN &
DEMOCRACY
ABOUT US
Empowering women to participate fully in all aspects of life is essential to build stronger economies, drive development and sustainability, and improve the quality of life for women, men, families and communities.
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Founded in 2016, Women & Democracy NGO (W&D) is a leading non-profit organization, working towards women's economic & political participation and good democratic governance in the Maldives. Presently, W&D’s work falls into three main activities:
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Advocacy and awareness: to raise awareness and advocate for women’s empowerment and good democratic governance in the Maldives
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Project based: whereby we undertake projects annually to create a meaningful impact in the Maldivian community
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Research based: whereby we conduct research on vulnerable populations and on women’s state in all aspects of life and recommend policy reforms
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W&D remains amongst the most respectable women’s rights NGOs in the country, with an Executive Board of 5 members, technical full-time staffs, over 50+ active volunteers, and coordinators established in all 20 geographic atolls of Maldives.
Our team
Safaath Ahmed Zahir
Founder & President of Women & Democracy
Safaath is a leading women's rights advocate in the Maldives. Through her civil society activism, she has pioneered efforts to raise the profile of women’s economic and political empowerment in the Maldives.
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As the President of W&D, Safaath acts as the Exective Director of W&D, and is responsible for overseeing the administration, programs and strategic plan of the organization
Education:
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MSc FINANCE & INVESTMENTS
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BBc. BANKING & FINANCE and INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS
ACHIEVEMENTs:
QUEEN’S YOUNG LEADERS AWARD 2016
UNITED NATIONS YOUNG LEADER 2016
FORBES 30 UNDER 30 (Pioneering Women Of Asia)
SHeeza aishath
Vice President of Women & Democracy
As the Vice President of Women & Democracy, Sheeza serves as a key leadership team member and an active participant in making the strategic decisions affecting Women & Democracy.
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Sheeza works closely with the board of W&D and other top executives to define the strategic direction of W&D; and plays a key role in leading the daily operation of W&D.
Education:
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Bachelor of Arts (Potiical Science and International Relations
ACHIEVEMENTs:
Chairman's Award of Excellence (Diploma in HR Management)
SAJIDHA MUFEED
Secretary General & Spokesperson
Sajidha plays a critical role in fostering communication and diligence through ensuring the smooth functioning of the Board of Women & Democracy. She is also responsible for W&D's office leadership, by giving direction and clarity to the organization’s strategic and policy development.
Certifications:
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Distinction in Customs Brokers Course Maldives Customs Service, Male’, Maldives [2011]
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Diploma in Crossing Borders-Global Studies Krogerup Højskole, Humlebæk, Denmark [2017]
Maryam Thasannum Waheed
Board Member of Women & Democracy
Board Members supports the work of W&D and provide mission-based leadership and strategic governance. They have five primary responsibilities: providing strategic leadership, managing for financial stability, serving as an ambassador of the organization, supporting the President and Vice-President, and ensuring healthy governance.
Education:
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Bachelors of Arts (BA) in Journalism
ACHIEVEMENTs:
Valedictorian - class of 2015, Maldives National University
MOHAMED NAZEEL
Board Member of Women & Democracy
Board Members supports the work of W&D and provide mission-based leadership and strategic governance. They have five primary responsibilities: providing strategic leadership, managing for financial stability, serving as an ambassador of the organization, supporting the President and Vice-President, and ensuring healthy governance.
Education:
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Bachelor of Laws L.L.B
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Master’s in Business Administration
Fathimath Ifa
Board Member of Women & Democracy
Board Members supports the work of W&D and provide mission-based leadership and strategic governance. They have five primary responsibilities: providing strategic leadership, managing for financial stability, serving as an ambassador of the organization, supporting the President and Vice-President, and ensuring healthy governance.
Education:
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Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and International Relations