[10] Mariya Didi instituted the tradition of engaging regularly with the MNDF leadership and defence sector agencies through weekly plenary meetings and multi-agency sit-downs, where the latest information and updates are exchanged in cross-sector settings.

[15] The campaign was run at a time when space for democratic expression and political activity was severely constricted, under the authoritarian rule of President Yameen Abdul Gayoom's regime.

Trust in MNDF reached an all-time low as citizens watched soldiers in riot gear storming Majlis chambers, and crudely forcing opposition MPs out of parliamentary sittings.

[16] In the first year of her tenure, Mariya Didi led an initiative to professionalize, modernize and depoliticize the nation's defence forces to restore public trust and confidence in MNDF and fortifying civil-military relations.

Additionally, empowering MNDF's grievance mechanism, launching multiple soldier welfare initiatives, and encouraging forums for democratic debate and dialogue in the armed forces.

[20] A recipient of the US State Department's International Women of Courage Award for her commitment to democracy and human rights, Mariya Didi is widely celebrated for her work to ensure gender equality in the armed forces.

In early 2021, Lieutenant Firushana Thaufeeg, the first-ever female Maldivian officer cadet to have been sent to the prestigious Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the UK returned home to much fanfare, having attained the Best International Student Award from the Short Commissioning Course.

[23] Today, female soldiers are taking on roles traditionally reserved for their male counterparts and gaining increasing visibility as Sergeant Majors, Personal Security Officers (PSOs), Special Protection Group (SPG) agents, honor guards, shooters and firefighters.

[24] Ever since the Solih administration took the initiative in November 2018 to publicly acknowledge the threat of Terrorism and Violent Extremism for the first time, many proactive steps have been taken at all levels of governance and policy-making to tackle this difficult challenge.

The past 3 years, in particular, has seen the centre's national footprint expand and evolve, as evidenced by the many seminars, workshops and mobile intervention programs, in collaboration with local and international partners.