KUCHING: Wanita Harakah Islamiah (HIKMAH) has been urged to strengthen cooperation with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and government departments to expand efforts to empower women throughout Sarawak in aspects of welfare, economy and education.

Wanita HIKMAH Chairwoman Toh Puan Hayati Ahmat said Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg welcomed the various activities carried out by the organisation and suggested that cooperation with various parties continue to be strengthened.

"The Sarawak Premier welcomed the various activities of Wanita HIKMAH and suggested cooperation with NGOs and government departments be strengthened to empower women throughout Sarawak in terms of welfare, economy and education," she said when met by the media after a courtesy visit to the Sarawak Premier at the Satria Pertiwi Complex, on Friday.

According to Toh Puan Hayati, the support is crucial, taking into account Wanita HIKMAH’s programme reach throughout Sarawak including urban and rural areas.

She added that Wanita HIKMAH currently has 12 branches and conducts 23 ‘taklim’ meetings involving women in the community, in addition to implementing various programmes in three zones, namely the south, central and north.

She said that among the main focuses of the organisation was to produce women leaders from grassroots level, empowering volunteerism and strengthening family institutions through parenting and family skills programmes.

Efforts are also extended to rural communities through visits to the ill and underprivileged families, in addition to holistic da’wah and welfare programmes.

On the economic aspect, Toh Puan Hayati said Wanita HIKMAH also focuses on improving the skills, entrepreneurship and competitiveness of women to help them strengthen their standard of living and explore better economic opportunities.

She also expressed her appreciation to Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari for the support given in facilitating Wanita HIKMAH to continue programmes activities and the agenda of women's development throughout the state.

Also present were Wanita HIKMAH Deputy Chairwoman I Dr Fatimah Bujang and Wanita HIKMAH Advisor Professor Dr Dayang Afizah Awang. -UKASnews

Prepared By: Ezzah Syafiqah
Photo: Hazrin Sunaini
Translator: Nerissa Sia