KUCHING: Purplelily Social Association Kuching (Purplelily) took part in the prestigious World Network programme, a global initiative for women empowerment.
Hosted by the Women and Democracy Association of Turkey (KADEM) and supported by the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), it was held in Istanbul from Oct 8 to 15.
Delegates showcase Sarawak’s rich culture through traditional costumes at Cultural Night
According to a statement, the initiative aimed at building an international network that champions women’s rights, leadership, and development, and bringing together women-led non-governmental organisations (NGOs) from Turkey, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Malaysia, Ghana, and Palestine.
Purplelily, representing Sarawak, Malaysia, joined distinguished non-profit organisations, including the Jerusalem Centre for Women (JCW), Tamkeen Foundation Palestine, “Medica” Zenica from Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the Federation of Muslim Women’s Association in Ghana (FOMWAG).
The core objective of the programme is to strengthen the capacity of these NGOs in the specified regions. It focuses on advancing women’s rights, raising social awareness, and combating human rights violations.
Its chairperson, Suraya, expressed her enthusiasm for this initiative and extended their appreciation to Sarawak Tourism for providing the informational brochures that were distributed to the delegates.
“I believe that when women support each other, incredible change is possible. By being part of this global network, Purplelily aims to inspire and empower women to lead and make a lasting impact in their communities.
Purplelily team during a photo call with others at the event
“It was a great networking and learning experience for the Purplelily team,” she said in the statement.
Amid the backdrop of Malaysia’s relatively favourable conditions for women, Purplelily sets out to champion the cause of women’s rights and gender equality on a global scale.
Its strategies include conducting research and raising awareness about women’s progress in Malaysia, collaborating with educational institutions, building networks with other NGOs, participating in international platforms, advocating for enhanced legal protection, working with the government, implementing community programmes, utilising media campaigns, and continuously monitoring and reporting on women’s rights to advance gender equality.
The World Network programme convenes 15 to 20 participants from diverse women-oriented NGOs representing the five pilot countries.
It includes a series of training sessions, workshops, and cultural excursions, laying the foundation for the network’s establishment.
KADEM envisions expanding this network further by incorporating women-led NGOs from around the world to foster unity and collaboration.
The statement asserted that KADEM, a non-governmental, non-profit organisation dedicated to women’s empowerment, actively advocates for the rights and dignity women rightfully deserve.
It added that KADEM is committed to implementing solution-oriented best practices to overcome the issues and obstacles that hinder women’s fundamental rights.
The opening ceremony was graced by the chairwoman of the Executive Board of KADEM, Assoc Prof Saliha Okur Gümrükçüoğlu.
Throughout the week, seven workshops were conducted, covering a range of topics, including Communication and Advocacy Strategies for NGOs, Team Management and Leadership, Civil Society as a Force in Public Opinion, Volunteering and Volunteer Management, International Networking, Research Methods in Civil Society Work, and Social Impact Measurement for NGOs.
The programme featured distinguished speakers and experts, such as Dr Intissar Kherigi, Yavuz Yiğit, Prof Dr Ömer Çaha, Halil İbrahim İzgi, Dr Fadila Grine, Dr Nursem Keskin Aksay, and Setenay Demir.
One of the highlights of the programme was a Turkish Coffee Talks session on “Women in Diplomacy” led by Tuba Nur Sönmez, Ambassador of Turkey to Kuwait, who shared her insights and experiences, including her time studying in Malaysia.
During another Turkish Coffee Talks session, Dr Esra Albayrak, a member of the academic board of KADEM, a board member of Yeşilay and TÜRGEV, and the chairperson of the board at NUN Education and Culture Foundation, addressed the significance of women’s roles in the contemporary, demanding world.
On the third day, participants embarked on a field trip that included visits to three different organisations in Istanbul, each dedicated to its own distinctive focus and purpose.
They visited the KADEM Women’s Support Centre, Beylerbeyi Sabancı Olgunlaşma Institute and Assalam Community Foundation.
