Maldivian wins Queen

Safaath Ahmed Zahir has become the first Maldivian to win the Queen’s Young Leaders Award - an award which recognises and celebrates exceptional people aged 18-29 from across the Commonwealth who take the lead in their communities and use their skills to transform lives.

Winners will receive a unique package of training, mentoring and networking; including a one-week residential programme in the UK during which they will collect their award from Her Majesty The Queen.

Safaath won the award for her efforts to empower women in the workplace. During her time as an intern at a capital market regulatory authority, she spoke at a seminar promoting the initiative of women joining corporate boards. She was then invited to become the Secretary General of Women on Boards Maldives, where members work to encourage the government and businesses to consider broader female participation in their organisations.

Safaath hopes to empower Maldivian women, open a day-care centre for children, and will release a documentary about women in business in the Maldives.

Other Asian winners for 2016 include individuals from Bangladesh, India, Malaysia, Pakistan, Singapore, and Sri Lanka.