KUCHING: Wanita HIKMAH is focusing on grassroots leadership, stronger families and women’s economic capabilities across Sarawak.
Its chairperson Toh Puan Hayati Ahmat said these were among the organisation’s strategic priorities as it continued programmes covering education, welfare, skills and the economy statewide.
“We are trying to develop women leaders from the grassroots and also help in building stronger families.
“We are also trying to organise programmes to strengthen parenting modules and family knowledge. We know that families and young people today face many problems,” she said during a press conference after the organisation’s courtesy visit to Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at Kompleks Satria Pertiwi here today.
The organisation also extends its outreach to rural communities by visiting the sick and families facing hardship, alongside its da’wah and welfare activities.
She added that women’s economic empowerment also forms part of Wanita HIKMAH’s statewide agenda.
“We are working to increase the initiative and competitiveness of our women in their lives and skills, and our reach, as I mentioned earlier, is throughout Sarawak,” she said.
According to her, Wanita HIKMAH currently has 12 branches across Sarawak, with programmes implemented through southern, central and northern zones.
“To complete all the programmes planned for the year is quite difficult, so we implement them according to zones.
“This is where we play our role and try to help women in terms of skills, education, welfare and also the economy,” she said.
Wanita HIKMAH, which operates under HIKMAH’s main da’wah committee, also has 23 majlis ta’lim involving women under its community activities, through which education, skills and other forms of assistance are provided.
The discussion also touched on funding for the organisation’s statewide programmes.
“We need substantial funds to cover the whole of Sarawak. That is why we came to meet the Premier, to seek contributions so that we can realise our programmes,” she said.
Hayati said the Premier also responded positively to Wanita HIKMAH’s work during the courtesy call.
“He suggested that Wanita HIKMAH strengthen its ties with other NGOs and government departments in empowering women throughout Sarawak, whether in urban or rural areas, in terms of welfare, the economy and education,” she said.
Hayati also thanked the Premier for his continued support for Wanita HIKMAH.
“The contributions we have received from the Premier so far have greatly helped us to continue our efforts and programmes in the future,” she said.
