Attorney General Datin Seri Paduka Hajah Nor Hashimah binti Haji Mohammed Taib attended a ceremony celebrating International Women’s Day 2025.
Organised by the Community Development Department (JAPEM) at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS), in collaboration with the Council of Women of Brunei Darussalam (CWBD) and the Women and Community Development Association (MAWAR), the Doa Kesyukuran ceremony was held at the Jerudong Sports Complex.
Permanent Secretary (Community) at the MCYS Hajah Nor Ashikin binti Haji Johari and Deputy Permanent Secretary (Culture) at the MCYS Dr Siti Norkhalbi binti Haji Wahsalfelah were also present.
The event was attended by over 150 individuals, including permanent secretaries and deputy permanent secretaries from various ministries, members of the Special Committee on Family, Women and Children’s Institutions, as well as senior government officials and representatives of non-governmental organisations.
The presence of the distinguished guests reflected solidarity in strengthening the role of women in national development.
The ceremony commenced with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah, led by Hajah Fatimah binti Haji Ahmad from the Pertiwi Association under the CWBD. This was followed by a welcoming speech by Acting Director of Community Development and chairperson of the event Siti Zaharah binti Haji Abdul Razak.
In her speech, she highlighted the importance of celebrating and appreciating the contributions and struggles of women in various aspects of life. She emphasised that the celebration serves as a reminder of the vital role women play in the family, society and nation.
Women fulfil multiple roles, including as mothers who educate the next generation with love and noble values, wives who provide unwavering support to their partners and as hardworking professionals and leaders who inspire and demonstrate their capability to achieve success across diverse fields such as education, business, politics, science and sports.
“Alhamdulillah, the Brunei Women’s Development Research has shown significant progress in women’s participation in education and the workforce. It also highlights the need for support in childcare and work-life balance,” she noted.
She added that the findings of this research will serve as a foundation for JAPEM in formulating a new National Action Plan for Women. This plan will directly address the needs of women in Brunei Darussalam, a nation that continues to grow and evolve.
The event continued with the recitation of Tahlil, led by Hajah Fatimah binti Haji Ahmad, followed by the Doa Kesyukuran, recited by Zeliha binti Haji Mohamad Ali from the Pertiwi Association.
The Doa Peliharakan Sultan dan Negara Brunei Darussalam was then recited by Pengiran Hajah Rakiah binti Pengiran Haji Abu Bakar from the Brunei Malay Teachers Association.
A religious talk titled ‘The Role of Women in Supporting National Development’ was delivered by Religious Officer from the Islamic Da’wah Centre Nurhikmah binti Haji Idris.
The event also featured the presentation of contributions in the form of essential items from JAPEM, along with sponsored vouchers from the MAWAR to six recipients of the Monthly Welfare Assistance. – Lyna Mohamad
