MIRI: Sarawak Federation of Women Institutes (SFWI), the oldest women organisation in Sarawak, celebrated its 54th anniversary by launching two main community outreach projects.

The Yang di-Pertua Negeri’s wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Ragad Kurdi Taib, who is also SFWI patron, launched the projects—`SFWI Care and Share’ and an interactive SFWI website—during a gala dinner here on Tuesday.

SFWI chairperson Norjanah Razali said the SFWI Care and Share project would be implemented this year. Among others, it is meant to gather donations from the public to assist those in need.

“Other programmes we have drawn up include providing food for the needy, organise activities for welfare home residents, helping victims of disasters, campaign against pollutions, including organising zero waste/recycle/no plastic bag, and promote healthy lifestyle programmes,” she said.

On the website, Norjanah said it was to enable SFWI to reach out to members and the public and to attract more women to become members.

These new projects continued to champion the cause of women and to help ensure a happy family institution.

“Women are capable of playing effective roles in ensuring a happy family institution and a caring society. This can help Malaysia realised the 7th thrust of Vision 2020 of building a caring society.”

‘Women Creator of Caring Society’ was the slogan for the celebration while `Bollywood Night’ was the theme for the dinner, which was attended by 600 members from across the state.

During the dinner, guests were entertained to songs, dances and music by local band The Starlet Band.

There were also awards for the top 10 ladies who dressed according to the theme. Hasmah Sauni, the treasurer of SFWI Kuching/Samarahan, was adjudged as `Lady of the Night’, and she went home with a RM200 cash and a bouquet.

Among those present were former head of state’s wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Hajah Norkiah, who is also past SFWI Patron, newly elected Piasau assemblyman Datuk Sebastian Ting, state’s SFWI advisor Datuk Ursula Goh and SFWI former advisor Datuk Rugayah Abdul Majid.