Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha as patron of the Women's Council said women are not only capable of competing but they could also contribute to all aspects of national development in professional fields, entrepreneurship and so on.

Her Majesty said this in her Titah at the Silver Jubilee celebrations of Women's Council at International Convention Centre yesterday. Her Majesty added that Women's Council was capable of continuing its role to enhance the capability of women in the country in facing challenges to develop the nation.

With all sorts of current issues that involve women, efforts of Women's Council members are needed, Her Majesty observed. Her Majesty expressed pleasure that the Women's Council was planning to set-up a counseling unit to tackle abused persons and so on. Women should also be concerned to strike a balance between family and daily activities, Her Majesty observed.

Also present at the ceremony were Her Royal Highness Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Zariah, HRH Princess Hjh Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah, HRH Princess Hjh Majeedah Nuurul Bolkiah and HRH Princess Hajah Amal Umi Kalthum Al-Islam.

Her Majesty later unveiled a book entitled "Mutiara Kenangan" to mark the 25th anniversary of the Council. The book contains the history and development that combine 13 women associations. Her Majesty also presented certificates of appreciation and souveniers to Presidents since 1986 till 2012.

Her Majesty also presented certificates to associations that combined with the Women's Council and later received a 'Pesambah'. Her Majesty also viewed an exhibition depicting the development of the Women's Council for the past 25 years, its activities as well as that of the associations under it. Her Majesty also toured a bazaar portraying business opportunities among its members and the local as well as foreign entrepreneurs.

The ceremony began with the recitation of Al-Fatihah followed by a welcoming address by the President of the Women's Council, Pg. Datin Paduka Hjh Mariam. She said the theme which reads 'empowering women in nation development' emphasised on women's role as a human resource towards the country's development. - Borneo Bulletin (5th February 2011)