Women NGOs Must Be More Proactive - PM's Wife Rosmah

KUANTAN (Malaysia), Jan 21 (Bernama) -- Rosmah Mansor wants women non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in the country to be more proactive in organising programmes which are in line with government aspirations. The prime minister's wife said all NGOs should unite intellectual women to implement dynamic programmes for the development of women and country. "In addition, to ensure women NGOs are always relevant in the eyes of the people, (women) must always be sensitive to the changing times," she said in her speech at a meeting with the Pahang Women Welfare Bodies here Saturday. She urged the NGOs to draw up programmes which could attract the interest of the people, and not just focus among NGO supporters and the like. Rosmah said the activities which were planned must be expanded to the entire society, regardless of race, religion or background, adding that women NGOs could play a role, right up to the global level. "We are lucky because the government has always recognised the role and contributions of women, but much more needs to be done. "Women should not only be recognised as benefectors of development benefits but also be recognised as agents of change," she noted. Earlier, Rosmah visited the Kuantan Air Force Base Community Rehabilitation Centre which has 26 inmates comprising the less fortunate. -- BERNAMA