Women key to stronger families and communities

SIBU : Women play a vital role in building strong families, preserving faith and values, and nurturing future generations, with their everyday acts of care and devotion helping to shape stronger and more harmonious communities.

Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Youth chief, Councillor Kevin Lau Kor Jie said women’s contributions often went beyond what was immediately visible, as their influence within families and communities helped foster mutual understanding, strengthen relationships and promote social wellbeing.

Lau made the remarks when officiating at the 63rd Annual Conference of the Methodist Women of Sarawak Iban held at a prominent hotel here on Saturday, which was hosted by its president, Angelyn Uchi Maseng.

The conference brought together women representatives from five districts — Sibu, Sibu Jaya, Bintulu, Kapit and Sarikei — providing an opportunity for participants to strengthen fellowship, exchange experiences and deepen their commitment to faith and service.

Reflecting on his visits to the Iban community, Lau, who is also SUPP Bawang Assan Branch chairman, said he had frequently witnessed women leading prayers for their families and households.

“While such acts might appear simple, they demonstrated the depth of women’s love and concern for their loved ones, as well as their important role in upholding family values, nurturing spiritual growth and maintaining harmony at home.

“These contributions also had a wider impact on society, as strong family relationships and the preservation of positive values formed an important foundation for community development,” he said.

“I hope that more women would step forward to assume leadership roles, enabling them to contribute more actively to community welfare, the upbringing of younger generations and broader social development,” he stated.

Lau said greater women’s participation in community leadership would create more opportunities to extend care and support to families in need while fostering a more compassionate and inclusive society.

He also wished the conference success and God’s blessings, expressing hope that the Methodist women would continue to uphold their spirit of faith and service, bringing their care and compassion beyond their homes and into the wider community.

A section of participants at the event.

Lau (standing centre) with Angelyn (on his left) and the participants in a group photo session.