A SIGNIFICANT milestone in Brunei’s women’s history was marked yesterday on the occasion of the golden jubilee of the Women’s Institute (WI) in Brunei Darussalam. Since its establishment half a century ago, its members have contributed to change in the Sultanate’s various developmental landscapes.

In an event that took place at the International Convention Centre yesterday, Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha, as the patroness of WI, in a titah, commended and highlighted the many achievements that the organisation has accomplished ranging from religion, health, sports, social as well as economics.

Accompanying Her Majesty to the gathering themed ‘The Voice of Women in a Changing World’ were Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah, Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah, Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Majeedah Nuurul Bolkiah as well as Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna.

Her Majesty also noted the regional and international participation of WI members, which she described as experiences “that have successfully exposed members to the development as well as setbacks that women face in the fields of economy, social and also politics”.

Her Majesty also pointed out WI’s efforts in capacity building programmes that are aimed at “cultivating compassion and patriotism in the younger generation who will inherit efforts that are being made to achieve Vision 2035”.

As part of the celebrations, Her Majesty also consented to award five WI members by way of recognising their contributions to the organisation. Her Majesty also consented to launch the English language WI Commemorative Jubilee Book containing congratulatory messages and 50 years of its history as well as the ‘Citarasa WI Brunei’ cookbook that contains 50 types of recipes created by members. - Borneo Bulletin (11 April 2014)