Royal Call To Combat Abuse Against Women
By Maya Salleh

Bandar Seri Begawan - Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hjh Saleha expressed concern over many forms of violence and abuse practiced against women worldwide and called on women's organisations to educate women by raising their awareness on their rights.

Her Majesty said this in her titah yesterday while officiating the 7th Area Conference for South East Asia and Far East of the Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW).

The opening ceremony was held at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Berakas.

Accompanying Her Majesty were Her Royal Highness Hajah Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah, HRH Rajah Masna and HRH Hajah Amal Umi Kahhum Al-Islam. Also present was HRH Tengku Puan Pahang Tengku Aziza Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah binti Sultan Iskandar al-Haj.

Her Majesty, in her opening address, put the conference's theme "Working with Women Worldwide" in perspective by finding its relevance to today's era of `Globalisation'.

Emphasising on the ICT revolution Her Majesty said, "The ICT revolution with the Internet and ongoing advances in mobile communication have had a huge impact on the lives of people in our region and the ways in which we communicate and interact.

One of the many examples of ICT applications is the use of text messaging on mobile phones, to communicate with their friends, family, and the office.

"This simple act in itself illustrates one of the many ways in which advances in technology can become a tool for women all over the world, not just to communicate, out also just as importantly to educate themselves at all levels and to ensure that the younger generation can also obtain an education at an affordable cost.

“It is therefore incumbent upon governments and NGO's around the world to work together to ensure that the fruits of technology can be shared by everyone, particularly the populations of the developing and least developed countries," said Her Majesty.

"Advances in technology have also heightened our awareness towards the protection of our natural environment and the dangers posed by pollution to the air we breathe, the water we drink and the food we eat," Her Majesty added.

Touching on the issue of violence against women, Her Majesty said, "It should be of major concern to all women. We should all recognise that there are many forms of violence and abuse practised against women worldwide. In addition, domestic violence, rape, molestation and both mental and physical abuse occur not just at home and on the street, but also in the workplace and other places where women should feel safe.

"What saddens us is that many forms of abuse are often prolonged and go unpunished due to a victim's ignorance of the law or her rights. These instances of violence and abuse must be combated through a combination of education and heavy penalties for the perpetrators.

"Women's organisations like the WI at the national level and the ACWW at the regional and international level can therefore play a pivotal role in educating women and raising the awareness of the populace towards the need to stop these forms of violence and abuse," said Her Majesty.

Her Majesty also urged both the public and private sectors to seriously look into the issue of industrial and sewage discharge into the rivers, and pesticides and fertilizer in agriculture that contribute to the degrading of quality of water that is consumed at homes.

Her Majesty also urged women to share their experiences in healthy eating in order to avoid "lifestyle diseases" like coronary heart diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes and various forms of cancers.

Datin Hajah Masni binti Haji Mohd Ali, Co-Chairperson of the Organising Committee and the Advisor of WI, Brunei Darussalam and Mrs. Hilda Stewart, ACWW World President, also addressed the audience.

Later Heads of Member Societies expressed high hopes of tackling issues to be addressed during the conference and to ultimately reach resolutions.

Her Majesty later consented to view the gallery of the ACWW. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

RTB Version: The Queen Calls For Sharing Of Fruits Of Modern Technology

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