First Lady Sajidha Mohamed stated on Sunday that no individual should be marginalised from society due to circumstances beyond their control, emphasising the collective duty to build an inclusive community where everyone is respected and no one is left behind. She made the remarks while officiating as the Chief Guest at the Riveli Awards 2026 ceremony, held at Barceló Nasandhura to celebrate and honour individuals with disabilities.
During the event, the First Lady presented the Riveli Awards 2026 to eight distinguished recipients, alongside recognising an honouree with a Special Recognition Token. Addressing the award winners, she praised them as invaluable contributors to society who demonstrate extraordinary skill, artistic talent, and determination. She underscored that social systems must be intentionally designed to foster compassion, care, and well-being for all individuals.
Reflecting on spiritual values, the First Lady cited the historical account in Surah Abasa from the Holy Quran, highlighting that Islam unequivocally mandates respect, empathy, and recognition for people with disabilities. She stressed that the resilience shown by the award recipients serves as a profound example of steadfastness, courage, and purpose for the broader community.
The First Lady also observed that while people with disabilities historically faced discrimination, Maldivian society has undergone a positive shift toward greater awareness and acceptance. She noted that since 2012, sustained nationwide efforts have been undertaken to celebrate their contributions, support skill acquisition, and create equitable pathways for their development across various sectors.
Concluding her remarks, she emphasised the continued expansion of access to education, therapy, and specialised care, while urging collective action to nurture the talents of individuals with disabilities. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the First Lady joined the eight Riveli Award recipients and the Special Recognition Token recipient for commemorative group photographs.