DUE RECOGNITION: Janet (fourth left) leads the IWD’s celebration cake cutting ceremony, joined by Betty Wong (second left), Vincent (third left), Soon Koh (fourth right),Tiong (third right) and other members of the party.
SIBU: International Women’s Day (IWD) honours the efforts of women in shaping the society in the country.
Stating this, Senior Minister Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh said at present, women play an important role in contributing to nationbuilding and there is no such thing as women’s traditional role in today’s society.
“Many successful women of today have shown their exceptional abilities in contributing to nation building.
“Neither is there a men’s traditional role. The so-called dividing line between men and women in as far as roles are concerned had long been erased, which is why there are even nations today that are led by women,” he said in his address at the IWD celebration of Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Sibu Women held at Kingwood hotel here Saturday night.
Wong, who is also the Minister of Local Government and Community Development, said each year around the world, IWD is celebrated on March 8, and thousands of events occur not just on this day but throughout March to mark the economic, political and social achievements of women.
Organisations, governments, charities, educational institutions, women’s groups, corporations and the media were also celebrating the day, he said.
Women have been through an outstanding level of achievement and he hoped that both men and women will play equally important roles.
In education, women’s role must be recognised and commended, saying, “This is true because education is an entry point to other opportunities and educational achievements of women can have ripple effects within the family and across generations. Thus, education is one of the most effective ways to reduce poverty.”
Wong, who is also the Second Finance Minister, said the government encourages the role of women in nationbuilding and to contribute towards the economy of the country.
In her speech, chairperson of SUPP Sibu Women,Kapitan Datuk Janet Lau UngHie said the IWD’s celebration was in appreciation of women’s efforts in nation building.
She called on the women members in the party to stand united in the coming election and always support the BN candidate.
Lanang Member of Parliament DatukTiong Thai King, Temenggong Vincent Lau Lee Ming and organising chairperson Dato’ Betty Wong were also in attendance.