New Muslim women's society to help less-privileged

A group of senior Muslim women professionals met recently in Colombo to form an organisation to look in to the welfare of those less privileged women in the community. Named the 'Association of Muslim Women Professionals and Entrepreneurs', it aims to empower women to be self-reliant, enhance literacy and vocational skills, offer scholarship and financial support to needy students, assist in health care and nutrition, provide career guidance, counselling and legal assistance and alleviate social ills caused by domestic violence and child abuse, among others.

A spokesman for the Association said that they have received tremendous response from professional and business women who have promised to render full support being in their various capacities. She added that, the Association will focus on gender issues, education, training and employment.

The organisation will also work hand-in-hand with government and NGOs in matters affecting local and national needs and disasters. Members of the Association hopes to conduct an inaugural one-day health camp in Colombo next month.

The Association welcomes all those who are in various professions and businesses and who wish to reach out to those less privileged in order to render service to build a poverty and crime free society.