KUCHING: The commitment of women’s non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to helping the needy has not gone unnoticed.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said these NGOs were able to reach the most vulnerable people in the community and find innovative solutions to tackle their problems.
“Women NGOs are very talented and agile in helping to accomplish Sarawak’s development goals,” he said.
He said this in a recorded video message which was aired during the 13th Associated Country Women of World (ACWW) Area Conference for South East Asia and The Far East at Grand Margherita Hotel yesterday.
Abang Johari noted that of the state’s population of 2.6 million people, nearly half of them were women.
“The Sarawak government has put in place numerous initiatives and assistance for Sarawak women to develop their capacities, capabilities and competencies,” he said.
On the conference themed ‘Diversity is our Strength’, he felt it was appropriate as Sarawak was home to more than 26 ethnic groups, a land rich in culture and natural resources.
“This conference, I believe, is an invaluable platform, in this healing time after the pandemic, for all of us to share information and knowledge, to exchange experiences, and to network in order to advance our societies and countries,” he said.
Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah Al-Marhum Al-Mutawakkil Alallah Sultan Iskandar Al-Haj officiated at the conference.
Also present were the wife of the Head of State, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Raghad Kurdi Taib; Premier’s wife Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang; Minister of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah; ACWW world president Magdie De Kock; and ACWW South East Asia and the Far East area president Norjanah Razali.
