KUCHING: Some 200 women of various races and from all walks of life took part in the first ever Multiracial Costumes Photography Contest at the Kuching Waterfront yesterday. They were clad in their traditional costumes.
Held in conjunction with International Women’s Day yesterday, the half-day event was co-organised by the Sarawak Federation of Chinese Women Association and Pan-Chen Lau’s Clan Association of Kuching, Samarahan, Serian Divisions at the Kuching Waterfront yesterday.
Present to grace the event was Kuching South City Council (MBKS) mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng.
The women gathered at the Kuching Waterfront from as early as 7.30am and later walked to Darul Hana Bridge for the photography contest.
In his opening speech, Wee pointed out that the event was very unique as it ambitiously fused three very important elements, namely, art in the form of photography, culture in the form of costumes and the celebration of International Women’s Day.
“The idea of gathering women from various races to celebrate Sarawak’s International Women’s Day is good, and as such, I would like to congratulate both associations for jointly organising this event,” he said.
He added the theme for this year’s International Women’s Day was “I am Generation Equality: Realising Women’s Rights” and that every woman deserved to be respected and given equality.
Wee also took the opportunity to thank the women present for their efforts and commitment in coming together to demonstrate racial harmony in the state.
“Sarawak is the most diverse state, yet we live in peace and harmony. This is the beauty of our multi-cultural way of life and let us continue to stay united,” he said.
Wee later presented roses to the women as recognition of their contributions to their families, workplace and community.
