KUCHING: The Women’s Bureau expects to kick off their first session at their new Women Skills Training Centre at Wisma Wanita this April.
As part of the development project for Wisma Wanita, it was approved by the state government to increase the socio-economic ability of single mothers and women from poor families.
“Among the skills that will be offered are creative sewing, cake and pastry preparation, and catering,” said Sarawak Women and Family Council (MWKS) chairperson Datuk Fatimah Abdullah.
Fatimah, who is also Women, Welfare and Family Development Minister, said the upgrading of facilities at Wisma Wanita will be done in stages due to the high expenditure.
Improvements include the upgrading of their main hall, and adding more bathrooms to the hostel.
Also included in the plans is the proposed Sarawak Women Resource Centre, which will serve as an information and knowledge centre (both physical and virtual). It will also provide support by providing information, training, design laws, policies, programmes and services.
The proposal paper will be submitted to the state government for approval.
“This year, MWKS together with the Women’s Bureau and the ministry will be focusing on a five core strategic areas — economic empowerment, strengthening of family institution, leadership and decision making, safety and legislation, and health,” Fatimah added.
The execution of those programmes will be supported by a media subcommittee who will be reaching out to Sarawakian women through radio and newspapers.