KUCHING: More than 460 women from 58 villages across Lundu and Opar took part in the W.I.R.A (Women of Inspiration, Realisation & Action) Programme, a two-day initiative aimed at strengthening knowledge, leadership and sustainable livelihood development among rural women.
The programme, organised by Pertubuhan Pembangunan Insan Sarawak (PPIS) in collaboration with the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM) and the Department of Women Development (JPW), was held at CENTEXS Lundu.
The closing ceremony was officiated by Opar assemblyman, Billy Sujang.
In a statement, PPIS chairperson and founder of Dawn Hope Shelter Home, Manjeet Kaur Sidhu, said the W.I.R.A initiative was designed not merely as a skills workshop but as a transformational journey, especially for women from B40 households.
“W.I.R.A is not just a programme; it’s a catalyst for change, aiming to empower women to be self-reliant, to lead within their families and communities and to create sustainable sources of income that uplift their standard of living,” she said.
Participants took part in hands-on workshops including floral design, beadcraft, traditional cake making, hairstyling and makeup, CPR training, mental health awareness and educational talks.
The programme also featured 21 exhibition and service booths from government agencies, non- governmental organisations (NGOs) and private partners.
Among those present were SGH Organ, Hospital Lundu, Timberland Medical Care, LPPKN, JWKS, JKM, LHDN, Malaysian Red Crescent Society (MRCS), Affin Bank, OrphanCARE and CENTEXS Lundu.
Services provided included free health checks, blood donation, Kenyalang Gold Card applications, STR updates and family welfare consultations.
The strong turnout reflected increasing public awareness of the value of government-NGO partnerships in improving community well-being, access to services and women’s development.
To ensure long-term benefits, PPIS will carry out a three-month mentoring and follow-up phase to help participants apply their new skills, strengthen financial literacy and support the development of small community-based enterprises.
Manjeet emphasised that women’s progress is central to building resilient communities.
“Women’s development is a shared responsibility. When women are educated, independent and supported, they can lift not only themselves but their entire families and communities. Empowered women are the foundation of a sustainable and resilient society,” she added.
