(From second left) Farah Hanini, Mohamad Azhan and Sharipah Marhaini with winners of the MBPJ Iris ‘Kasih Wanita’ competition.
PETALING Jaya City Council (MBPJ) Iris Women’s Club organised an International Women’s Day celebration at its headquarters for over 500 women staff, MBPJ councillors and residents’ representatives.
Among those present to celebrate Women’s Day MBPJ 2023 were MBPJ Iris Women’s Club chairman Sharipah Marhaini Syed Ali, MBPJ Iris Women’s Club advisor Farah Hanini Abdul Rahman and Petaling Jaya mayor Mohamad Azhan Md Amir.
Sharipah Marhaini, who is also Petaling Jaya deputy mayor said, “The whole world celebrates International Women’s Day every year on March 8 in recognition of the significant contribution and service that women provide to families, society and the country.”
This year’s Women’s Day theme is “Kasih Wanita” which aims to showcase a woman’s innate ability to be loving and giving.
Farah Hanini said, “Kasih Wanita is an acronym representing specific values – ‘k’ for kasih sayang (love and care), ‘a’ for akhlak mulia (noble character), ‘s’ for sihat (health), ‘i’ for ilmu (knowledge), and ‘h’ for keharmonian (harmony).”
She said the club was set up to organise various activities to foster community spirit among MBPJ employees and residents.
With the help of five bureau chiefs, Farah Hanini has carried out various activities, including cervical cancer screening programmes.
The health bureau, in collaboration with Beacon Hospital and the ROSE Foundation, which stands for Removing Obstacles to Cervical Screening, successfully screened members of 400 low-income families in Petaling Jaya.
“To all women out there, be strong in facing challenges,” said Farah Hanini.
The event continued with an award ceremony to honour winners of the MBPJ Iris Kasih Wanita competition.
Guests were also treated to high tea and entertainment by MBPJ’s cultural artistes, MBPJ Iris Women’s Club, entertainer Helmi Gimmick and the Kombo MBPJ band as well as lucky draws.
MBPJ councillors created video montages to express their admira-tion and gratitude for women. — By NUR FAIEZATUL HUSNA