Aneesa wins

Former Gender Minister and former Mulaku MP Aneesa Ahmed have won the ‘International Women of Courage’ award, an award given by the U.S. President to courageous women of the year.

The award was presented to Aneesa by U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and First Lady Michelle Obama at a special ceremony held at New York State Department to mark the 101st International Women’s Day.

Former Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Chairperson and MDP Parliament Member Mariya Ahmed Didi also previously won this award, making Aneesa the second Maldivian woman to receive this award.

The U.S. Department of State website describes Aneesa as someone who works towards ending violence against women in the Maldivian society, citing her efforts to end domestic violence and mutilation of female genitals as examples.

In addition to Aneesa, seven women from countries around the world received the award this year.