MIRI: The Sarawak Federation of Women’s Institutes (SFWI) is living up to its status as being the oldest women organisation in the state, with international links to empower women locally and globally.
Recently, two activities were held – ‘Women Walk the World’ for the Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW) in Lundu on May 22 and the SFWI Care and Share programme in Simunjan on June 11.
For the ‘Women Walk the World’ event for ACWW, some 600 women from SFWI Kuching/Samarahan divisions comprising SFWI districts of Kuching, Bau, Serian, Simunjan, Sebuyau, Asajaya, Lundu/Sematan took part in the event.
Among those present were Datuk Norhyati Ismail, SFWI exco member for Kuching/Samarahan, SWFI chairperson Norjanah Razali and chairperson of SFWI Kuching/Samarahan, Masnah Ramli.
SFWI is affiliated to ACWW which is active in over 70 countries, offering women and their communities the chance of a better life with mutual support, friendship and practical help through development programmes and projects. ACWW gives women a voice at international level via its links with the United Nations.
Meanwhile, the walk, held in conjunction with ACWW Day on April 29, was to promote ACWW’s image and raise funds.
Thus, for the state level walk in Lundu, sales of SFWI products was held as part of the activities to raise funds. Other activities included a poco-poco competition, lucky draw, cake-cutting for the ACWW Women Walk the World 2016 and Mothers’ Day.
“For the walk theme of Beach Walk, the members started from the homestay of Haji Bujang, Kampung Pandan and along Pandan Beach, where they also collected rubbish. This is in support of the conservation projects under the SFWI Care and Share programme launched by SFWI patron and wife of the Head of State, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Raghad Kurdi Taib on May 10 in Miri,” said the spokesperson yesterday.
SFWI Lundu/Sematan, which won the poco-poco competition SFWI Simunjan District, will be the host for the Women Walk The World edition in 2017.
Meanwhile, five of the less fortunate, including two SFWI members who suffered a stroke in Simunjan, were the latest to benefit from the Care and Share programme. They received cash and food parcel, for the forthcoming Hari Raya.
Joining SFWI in the programme was Flour Mill Sdn Bhd which contributed flour.
The two stroke recipients were Sharifah Noralam of Kampung Hijrah and Serati of Kpg Nanas while the oldest, at 105 years, was Neng of Kpg Sageng who needed a wheelchair. She is also visually impaired and deaf.
Leading the members in presenting Raya goodies was Salbiah Abdullah, chairperson of the Welfare, Recreation and Social Committee who is also an exco member of SFWI Miri/Bintulu.
The project was coordinated by the Welfare, Recreation and Social Committee of SFWI.
Under the SFWI Care and Share project, the institute will conduct fundraising activities to collect public donations to assist those in need.
Among the projects planned are providing food for the needy, organise activities for welfare home residents, helping victims of disaster, campaign against pollution, including organising zero waste/recycle/no plastic bag, and promote healthy lifestyle programmes.
SFWI, a non-profit making organisation, currently has 13,462 members from 362 branches in the state.
Corporations, agencies and individuals interested in collaborating with SFWI in organising community projects can contact the institute at 082-244015 during office hours.
