The Dheenee Ilmuveringe Gulhun (Religious Scholars Association) has sent a letter to Education Minister Ismail Shafeeu urging him to enforce gender segregation in schools across the country.

The letter said some actions by the Education Ministry violate Islam and expressed concern over the co-education principles in schools.

The association noted that most schools in the country did not have co-education in the past and condemned the decision by the government in 2008 to eliminate gender segregation.

The letter said videos of female and male students engaged in inappropriate behaviour have emerged on different platforms and said gender segregation would also improve academic results.

The letter concluded by calling for schools to be run with gender segregation to address the religious, moral, and social problems they believe co-education causes.

Meanwhile, the government has announced new rules making it compulsory for all girls from grade four to wear pants with skirts.

While the government brought the abrupt change to be implemented from 2027, the skirt has been part of the official uniform of girls since schools were opened in the Maldives.

Students who wear burqa or headscarf have always had the option to choose pants or trousers.

It is unclear why this change was mandated. But the ministry said discussions were held with schools. There was no mention of any discussion with parents.