Rokiah Mahmud
Some 120 Institute Brunei Technical Education (IBTE) Year 2 students participated in a PREPanita Forum themed, ‘Communi-Kasih: Komunikasi Adalah Kunci Kebahagian’, ‘Communication is Key to Happiness’.
The forum organised by the Community Development Department (JAPEM) in collaboration with government agencies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) was held at IBTE Jefri Bolkiah Campus Hall, Belait District.
The programme aimed to create and enhance awareness on the importance of women’s rights while preparing both men and women for problems or misfortunes.
Among the agencies involved were the Women and Child Abuse Investigation Unit of the Criminal Investigation Department, Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF); Medical Welfare Unit of Medical Service Department, Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital; Family Advice Service Division of the Syariah Affairs Department; Project Women and Girls Development Enterprise; and KESAN Association.
The forum commenced with a dialogue session moderated by KESAN Association Secretary-General Sarah binti Haji Abdul Mutalif, while members comprised Family Advisor Officer Salmah binti Haji Ahmad, ASP Ahmad Faez bin Haji Mohd Hani from the Women and Child Abuse Investigation Unit; RIPAS Hospital Medical Welfare Officer Nur Amalina Nadzila binti Ibrahim; and Project Women and Girls Development Enterprise Executive Director Nur Judy binti Abdullah.
Topics discussed included the role of men in caring and protecting women from an Islamic perspective and ways to identify a healthy environment in an effort to lower the number of criminal cases.
The forum also saw a discussion on what students should do if faced with violence or threats, and a sharing session featuring victims under the Project Women and Girls Development Enterprise.
