At just 16 years old, Fathimath Madhadha made her debut as a journalist with Sangu TV, quickly becoming a prominent figure in Maldivian media. From her early days fueled by a natural flair for public speaking to her current ambitions of advocating for societal change, Madhadha’s journey exemplifies determination and passion.
A Bold Start
Madhadha’s fascination with journalism began during her childhood, inspired by watching TV news and programs. Encouraged by her ability to speak confidently, she embraced public speaking opportunities in school, which eventually led her to pursue journalism right after finishing high school.
“People used to say, ‘You should go into news reading,’ because I talked loudly like this,” she recalls with a smile.
Despite her young age and lack of formal training at the time, Madhadha made the leap, joining Sangu TV even before receiving her O-level results. Looking back, she has no regrets about starting early, as the experience significantly shaped her life.
Recognition at Sangu TV
Madhadha credits the supportive environment at Sangu TV for her rapid growth. Within her first year, her dedication earned her the station’s Best Staff Member Award, a milestone she hadn’t anticipated. “I didn’t think it would have such a big impact on my life,” she says, attributing her achievements to her colleagues’ encouragement and the station’s developmental efforts.
Journalism as a Career
Madhadha firmly believes that journalism has a promising future, but only for those willing to work diligently. She notes that many young entrants to the field perceive it as an easy job with high financial rewards, only to leave when faced with the challenges of balancing effort with modest initial pay.
“To succeed in journalism, you have to put in a lot of effort,” she emphasizes. Her own experiences covering election campaigns, protests, and social issues have taught her that journalism is as much about persistence as it is about talent.
While currently studying Information Technology, Madhadha is determined to continue in journalism, aspiring to reach the same level as the Maldives’ best reporters. She firmly believes that “journalism is learned through experience rather than studying.”
Passion for Politics
Madhadha’s interest in politics has been a constant since her school days. Though she once considered careers in fashion design or makeup artistry, her fascination with the political world persisted.
“It’s not that I want to become a political figure, but I feel like the voices of political people are the ones heard today,” she says. Madhadha’s goal is to use journalism to be a voice for the voiceless, reporting on political and social injustices to drive meaningful change.
Her reporting often focuses on political reconciliation, protests, and debates, but she has also covered critical social issues, showcasing her versatility as a journalist.
Learning from Role Models
Though she didn’t have a specific idol when she started, Madhadha now draws inspiration from senior journalists such as Shifla Ibrahim, Heena Waleed, Shifza Mustafa, and Mariyam Waheedha. Among them, she admires Shifza Mustafa’s passion and work ethic the most.
She also acknowledges the support of colleagues like Maathu, a fellow journalist at Sangu TV, who continues to mentor and guide her.
Winning Over Her Family
Madhadha faced initial resistance from her family when she decided to pursue journalism at a young age. The idea of a teenage girl appearing on TV and reporting on critical matters required significant convincing.
“I had to explain a lot and even get them to sign a parent approval letter,” she recounts. However, within months, Madhadha’s work began to garner praise, which eventually reached her family and changed their perspective.
Today, her family stands as her biggest supporters, with her mother, in particular, being her number-one fan. “Even while I’m here, Mom will call every now and then to ask how it’s going,” she says proudly.
Future Ambitions
Madhadha has big dreams for her future. While she plans to further her education, potentially in fields like law, she remains steadfast in her desire to grow as a journalist.
Her journey serves as a testament to the power of passion, resilience, and the ability to inspire others. As Madhadha continues to break barriers, her story motivates other young Maldivians to pursue their dreams, no matter the challenges.