Nova Maldives will celebrate Women’s Dive Day with a three-day programme from 17 to 19 July 2026, welcoming Zoona Naseem, the first Maldivian woman to qualify as a PADI Course Director, for a series of diving experiences and community activities designed to inspire more women to explore the underwater world.
Joining Zoona throughout the programme is Jenna Lehocki, Nova Maldives’ resident marine biologist, who will share her expertise in marine conservation and reef ecosystems while encouraging greater female participation in diving.
Encouraging more women to explore diving
Women’s Dive Day celebrates the achievements of women in diving while encouraging greater participation across all levels of the sport.
Although women represent nearly 40% of recreational divers worldwide, they account for only 20% of PADI Professionals. A 2025 peer-reviewed study attributes part of this gap to the traditionally male-centred portrayal of diving, alongside social barriers that continue to discourage women from pursuing careers and leadership roles within the industry.
Through this initiative, Nova Maldives aims to create a welcoming environment where more women feel confident taking their first steps into diving.
Three days of diving and discovery
Reflecting Nova Maldives’ belief that the ocean is for everyone, the programme will bring together resort guests and participants from the neighbouring Dhangethi community for three days of shared underwater experiences.
Participants will have the opportunity to join Discover Scuba dives, try dives, and guided open-water exploration led by Zoona. In addition, guests can take part in an intimate fireside discussion hosted by both Zoona and Jenna, where they will share stories of memorable dives, marine encounters, and their personal connections with the ocean.
The programme is designed to welcome both first-time divers and experienced enthusiasts, encouraging participants to build confidence while learning from two women with very different but complementary experiences in marine environments.
Breaking barriers in diving
Zoona’s journey to becoming the first Maldivian woman to earn the title of PADI Course Director has made her an important role model for women pursuing careers in diving.
Meanwhile, Jenna brings a conservation perspective shaped by her daily work studying and protecting the coral reefs surrounding Nova Maldives.
Reflecting on her journey, Zoona Naseem said:
“Growing up in the Maldives, the ocean was always there, but a seat at the table was not. I hope that every woman who enters the water this July leaves knowing that it was always hers to claim.”
Drawing on her experience working across marine research and hospitality, Jenna Lehocki added:
“Living and working on this island, you come to understand the reef not just as a place to dive, but as something that breathes and changes with the seasons. Sharing that with people, whether they are first-time snorkellers or seasoned divers, is the part of this work that never gets old.”
Creating opportunities through the ocean
Commenting on the initiative, Abdulla Aboobakur, General Manager of Nova Maldives, said:
“There is something about the ocean that has always belonged to women. Its depth, its quiet power, its ability to hold everything at once. Women’s Dive Day is a celebration of every woman who has ever felt called to the water, and our commitment to making sure every woman who wants to experience that, whether for the first time or the hundredth, has every opportunity to do so.”
A destination built around marine life
Located on a natural island within the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA), the region’s largest marine biodiversity reserve, Nova Maldives offers direct access to 35 dive sites, with year-round opportunities to encounter whale sharks and manta rays.
The resort also operates an active coral nursery, where guests can participate in coral planting to support reef restoration efforts.
In addition, Nova Maldives partners with the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (MWSRP) to deliver conservation initiatives and educational experiences for researchers, local schools, and the wider community throughout the year.
Wellness beneath the surface
Alongside its diving experiences, Nova Maldives also offers Wellness Diving, combining mindfulness with marine exploration through floating meditation, buoyancy workshops, underwater yoga, and breathwork.
Research has shown that recreational diving can reduce stress and improve mental wellbeing, with slow, controlled breathing underwater naturally activating the parasympathetic nervous system and promoting deep relaxation.
Women’s Dive Day at Nova Maldives takes place from 17-19 July 2026. Packages start from 1264 AED per night in a villa on a Full Board Plus basis.
Visit nova-maldives.com to find out more.
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