Lyna Mohamad
The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) through the Community Development Department (JAPEM) held a Kesyukuran ceremeony for women in conjunction with International Women’s Day (IWD) at Digadong Hall on Tuesday.
Spouse of the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Datin Hajah Binanun binti Haji Bungsu was the guest of honour.
The event saw the participation of some 200 people, including permanent secretary and deputy permanent secretary, senior officers, non-governmental organisations, MCYS strategic partners and students from higher education institutions.
The event began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah followed by Doa Peliharakan Sultan dan Negara Brunei Darussalam led by Trained Religious Teacher, Youth Development Centre Norkamaliah binti Haji Mokti.
The ceremony featured a talk ‘Mithali and Innovative Women Build the Ummah’ by lecturer at Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali Dr Hajah Ummi Fa’izah binti Haji Abdul Rahman touching on Mithali women as role models and innovation towards positive attributes, and that in the digital era, women should be wise in using social media platforms to spread goodness while maintaining boundaries.
The event also featured a Tausyeh performance and the recitation of Sayyidul Istighfar by the Firqah An Naylaa Group. Norkamaliah also recited Doa Kesyukuran in conjunction with the IWD celebration and Doa for protection from COVID-19.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam Nahida Rahman Shumona hosted a celebration marking IWD2023 with a recognition ceremony for Dr Hajah Helena binti Pengiran Orang Kaya Setia Jaya Dato Paduka Haji Hurairah, Dr Malai Zeiti binti Sheikh Abdul Hamid and Pengiran Datin Hajah Noraini binti Pengiran Dipa Negara Pengiran Haji Abdul Momin for their service to the community.
“The world needs more people like these women as they are trailblazers in their own right and have made significant contributions to society,” said the high commissioner.
Dr Hajah Helena is an ophthalmologist who offers her time to the underprivileged and migrant workers with eye problems, while Dr Malai Zeiti has been promoting literacy among children and young adults. The Bangladesh High Commission collaborates with her organisation Reading and Literacy Association regularly. Meanwhile, Pengiran Datin Hajah Noraini provides skills to the specially-abled children.
“They are effective role models for the younger generation and the high commission is honoured to recognise their contributions,” said Nahida Rahman Shumona.
Iranian Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Homeira Rigi Zirouki was the guest of honour.
