Fatimah (seated centre) is seen during a photo call with the committee members. On Fatimah’s left is Kuspa and Toastmasters D3 area governor Benjamin Lim .
KUCHING: Women in the state have been called on to acquire good communication skills.
Welfare, Women and Family Development Minister Datuk Fatimah Abdullah said this is necessary if women want to succeed in voluntary and advocacy works as well as take up positions at the decision-making level.
“To be women of substance, women must be seen worthy of their positions because of merit.
“They must have the knowledge and expertise in the areas that they are interested in. More importantly, they must know how to share with others.
“Therefore, women must be brave in their attempt to speak publicly even if they are not conversant in a particular language,” she said during the Sarawak Women’s Toastmasters Club installation dinner on Monday.
The Dalat assemblywoman stressed that women have to continuously improve themselves as communication is a very important skill.
“Toastmasters Club is a good platform for people of all backgrounds to come together to improve communication skills through mentoring and networking.
“Only then we will be able to say what we feel and speak up about issues that concern us or are close to our hearts. Besides knowing how to communicate, women must also improve on their knowledge content through continuous learning.”
Meanwhile, president Kuspa Arina Mohamad Bohari called on more women to join the club, which currently has 24 members.
“We hope more women will join and explore what our club has to offer.
“We are more than just a club offering communication and leadership skills improvement but also offer friendship and networking opportunities.
“We will continue working together and grow to achieve our goals,” she said.
Joining her on the committee are vice-president (education) Alexandra Wong, vice-president (membership) Vanessa Chai, vice-president (public relations) Norjanah Razali, secretary Angelina Lim, treasurer Herlina Ajaib Jamahari, sergeant-at-arms Yong Li Na and immediate past president Julie Hussain.