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NHRI people profile: Khadeeja Limya, HRCM

Graphic: Khadeeja Limya, HRCM (L) with Fasoha Aishath, APF

Each month, we profile a committed staff member from one of our member institutions. This month, we meet Khadeeja Limya from the Maldives Commission.

Name and job title:

Ms Khadeeja Limya, Senior Education Officer, Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM)

Could you tell us a bit about your role?

My role is mainly to educate people about their rights. I am involved in conducting human rights awareness activities for school children, law enforcement officers, civil servants and conducting human rights awareness programs in the atolls. I am involved in educating people on all human rights themes such as child rights, gender equality, rights of people with disabilities, and migrant workers’ rights. 

What do you love about your job?

I love meeting people, getting to know about their lives and finding out what matters to them. It is very fulfilling when I get the opportunity to impact someone’s life and help people understand and protect their rights.

What’s the most challenging aspect of your job?

Creating awareness on women’s rights is one of the main challenges due to misunderstandings about human rights. In addition, organisational structure and bureaucracy is also a challenge.

Why did you decide to work in human rights?

I grew up in a background that strongly believes in non-discrimination and equality. Getting an opportunity to work in this field, and having the official voice of the HRCM and an international voice is a strength I believe in. I will continue to work in this field throughout my life even after retirement. 

What is your proudest achievement?

The work I have done at the HRCM and being a part of the advocacy team. Being a part of activities, such as taking part in the first National Inquiry, being part of the establishment of human rights clubs in schools, helping to develop human rights manual in local languages, conducting human rights awareness programs in the atolls. 

One of my proudest achievements is being a part of the Asia Pacific Forum and sharing my context with others in the region through the APF Educators and Facilitators Network.

What is your favourite book?

Animal Farm by George Orwell

Date: 1 November 2021


Image credits

  1. Khadeeja Limya, HRCM (L) with Fasoha Aishath, APF - APF