FOR the first time, a local council in Selangor is making women with disabilities the focus of its celebration in conjunction with International Women’s Day this year.

The Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) together with four non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are jointly organising a half-day programme titled “Disabled Women Leading in Sustainable Community Development” this Sunday.

MBPJ councillor Tiew Way Keng, who is also the event’s adviser, said there was no such programme organised for women previously in conjunction with the special day.

The four NGOs involved are Association of Women with Disabilities Malaysia (Pewakum), Beautiful Gate Foundation for the Disabled, Society of Independent Living for Disabled Persons Selangor and the Association of Parents with Disabilities Malaysia.

Pewakum president Bathmavathi Krishnan said women form about half the population of any community and some 10% of them have some form of disability.

“Many shy away from the community due to social or personal reasons.

“They do not have the courage or confidence to come out, and face barriers in terms of inaccesible environment or lack of employment opportunities. Yet their roles are no different from any able-bodied person.

“It is good to see MBPJ taking such an initiative to celebrate women with disabilities,” said Bathmavathi, adding disabled women also play an important role in the development of a nation.

The half-day programme will include a forum session by a multitalented disabled woman entrepreneur, performances by women with disabilities, lucky draws, handicraft demonstration and an exhibition to showcase the lives of women with disabilities in their various capacities as mothers, daughters, wives, activists, sportsmen, businesswomen and professionals.

Lipsticks will also be given out as a symbolic doorgift to all disabled women participants on that day.

MBPJ health department assistant director Dr Chithra Davi said her department would also be providing free medical check-ups for highblood pressure and body mass index, as well as a guided session on conducting self-examination for early detection of breast cancer.

Participants are also advised to carry their own food containers in support of the environment and those who do so might get a special gift.

Beautiful Gate Foundation for the Disabled executive director Pastor Sia Siew Chin said she hoped all disabled women staying in Petaling Jaya would come out and participate in the programme.

“We hope to see at least 100 of them. Anyone who has transportation problems can register first with our organising committee and we’ll make the necessary arrangements with the council’s van to pick them up from their homes,” said Sia.

The event will take place at Seminar Room 1, 2 and 3 of Level 1, BPJ headquarters, from 8am to 1pm.

To register for the programme, call the Society of Independent Living for the Disabled Selangor at 03-7875 0943 or email: admin@ilselangor.org