Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Hafizah Sururul Bolkiah officiated the opening ceremony of ‘Share, Learn, Grow’ International programme at Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Complex yesterday.
Organised by the Girl Guides Association of Brunei Darussalam (PPPBD), the programme aimed to promote cooperation and collaboration, support the Sustainable Development Goals, stimulating cooperation and leadership among generations and getting to know the Sultanate closer.
In a sabda, Her Royal Highness welcomed all participants. She said their participation in the programme signifies the capacity of the movement to bring girls and young women together in nurturing the ambience of Brunei Darussalam, the Adobe of Peace.
Her Royal Highness also hoped the participants will have a meaningful experience as well as broaden their horizon, learn about different cultures and build strong and lifelong friendship.
Meanwhile, PPPBD Deputy Chief Commissioner Hajah Viviyanti binti Haji Md Ali, chair of the international programme said, “In celebrating 70 years of girl guiding in the Sultanate, we reflect on the profound advantage and learning embedded in the core of our movement.
The motto ‘Be Prepared’ embodies our commitment to leading girls and young women towards becoming responsible and dynamic global citizens.”
She added the recognition of leadership in girl guiding is more than a role, its an opportunity for girls and young women to gain knowledge, build confidence and acquire new skills.
“Today, we challenge each of our members to embrace the call to ‘Be an Inspirational Leader’,” she said.
Meanwhile, World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) World Board member Dr Sharrada Segeran said, “Across the globe, women’s leadership continues to be underrepresented. Discriminatory laws, structures and practices act as barriers when it comes to women in leadership.
“Young women in particular face the brunt of the issue. They not only face discrimination due to their gender but also age. Young women struggle to reach their full potential as leaders due to the critical gaps in funding, resources for education, skills development and mentorship. There is a huge gap in this space that needs to be bridged. That is exactly what that has been done by PPPBD through this event.”
She added the programme has brought the brightest young minds together with current leaders and stakeholders.
“The team put together a comprehensive programme covering a range of topics from mental health to intergenerational leadership. Each initiative has been specially curated to enable our young women to express their thoughts, exchange idea and work on solutions that have the potential to make a difference,” she said.
Investing in young women’s growth changes their personal trajectory as well as their community, Dr Sharrada added.
She said the event embodied the values of WAGGGS in bringing together leaders and girls from all across the region under one umbrella and hoped the participants can learn, grow and forge everlasting friendships.
PPPBD Lifetime Vice Presidents Datin Paduka Hajah Zaharah binti Haji Idris and Datin Hajah Masni binti Haji Mohd Ali, with Chairperson of the WAGGGS Asia Pacific Regional Committee Chempaka Emalin Pahamin and WAGGGS volunteer Dato Jeyadhevi Subramaniam were also present.
A total of 210 participants from nine nations including the host Brunei, Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Malaysia, Maldives, Pakistan, the Philippines and Singapore are participating in the event from November 22 to 27. – James Kon
