BELAIT

THE Brunei Pertiwi Association in Belait called for more active participation from young women to help enhance women development in the country.

Alimah Abdullah, the Deputy President of Pertiwi Belait said that despite having over 50 members, the association is urging more people to join in, particularly young women.

“It’s a place where not only women can empower each other but also look out for one another while carrying out fun activities,” she told The Brunei Times recently at the sidelines of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s 69th birthday celebration in Belait district.

Alimah added that the association’s members include single mothers and widows who are multi-talented in the field of arts and handicrafts such as basketry, rattan plaiting, baking, weaving and sewing.

The deputy president said that the club welcomes all girls and young women regardless of religion, ethnic group, background or age.

Pertiwi also helps guide their young members on spiritual values, personal development and commitment in helping others, she added.

“Helping the needy is one of our priorities, especially the women who are financially poor,” said Alimah, noting that the association frequently holds charitable events including the bake sale that was recently held during the month of Ramadhan.

Alimah said these charity events help instill a sense of social responsibility by letting its members participate in various community events.

“We try to help by gathering these talented group of women from our association to bake cakes and be more enterprising. You wouldn’t believe how skilled they are… so we try to raise money and donate them to the needy,” she explained, noting that the charity sales can act as a platform that not only brings attention to the less fortunate but also for women to empower each other through support.

“As women, it is in our nature and it is deeply ingrained in us to care and help our own, so let’s do what we do best. We want more young women to join so we can guide them and share with them our experiences.”

Formed in 1968, Pertiwi is one of the women organisations in Brunei. The association acts as a national body in representing the views of all women in the country with an aim to enhance the status of women in all fields especially in education, economy, welfare, culture and social.

The Brunei Times