International Women’s Day 2023 Celebrations/WOW in Langkawi
District 330
3-5 March 2023
District Chairman Krishnaveni Mutthiah (DC Veni) and around ninety members of Inner Wheel District 330 gathered at the scenic resort island of Langkawi to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD) 2023 hosted by the Inner Wheel Club of Alor Setar (IWC AS). Inner Wheel members from India, Pakistan, Philippines and Singapore also participated in the 3 days and 2 nights of revelry themed ‘Women of the World (WOW) in Langkawi with none other than the President of International Inner Wheel, Zenaida Y. Farcon (President Zeny)
President Zeny had flown into Langkawi with National Representative for Districts 330 and 331, Parimala Satheesan (NR Pari) and members of the District Executive Committee who are based in Kuala Lumpur led by DC Veni. They were warmly welcomed on arrival at Langkawi Airport by President Tunku Zamharir Tunku Daud (President TZ) and Organising Chair of WOW in Langkawi, Past District Editor Padmini Pillai of IWC AS who were sporting a welcome banner.
The programme per se started at 6.30 pm of 3rd March with spectacular performances by dancers showcasing the diverse ethnic groups in Malaysia and other shows including one from a talented local magician. All Inner Wheel protocols such as the lighting of the Candle and the recitation of the Friendship poem as well as loyal toasts were adhered to. District Secretary Saraswathy Veloo did the roll-call of clubs which was followed by inspiring welcome-speeches before President Zeny, took to the stage with her address after which she officially declared open the IWD 2023 Celebrations.
President Zeny in her speech gave her take on the IWD theme of ‘Embrace Equity’ and how it should encompass meaningful inclusion of women in all walks of life. She also touched on the current International Inner Wheel theme of ‘Work Wonders’ to celebrate the victory of women in the various fields as they continue to purposefully carry on with their traditional tasks of nurturing family whilst serving society.
There was enthusiastic engagement from the audience when she invited all present to raise their arms high and wave in solidarity with the ‘Work Wonders’ theme. President Zeny and DC Veni also went around to meet and greet Inner Wheel members and pose for photographs with them. Everyone was colourfully dressed to the theme of ‘Traditionally Elegant’ and some Presidents were observed exchanging bannerettes with members of the overseas clubs.
The next day, 4th March, turned out to be full of programmes which started with an excursion first by buses and then by boats to the Kilim Geoforest Park. The ladies had donned identical T-shirts which took the camaraderie up a notch. They walked into the Bat Cave; went in boats into the Crocodile Cave, paused at a location on the Andaman Sea and watched the Reddish-Brown Eagles from which Langkawi gets its name at a feeding spot.
The next destination was a fish farm with a floating restaurant on it. Here, a simple lunch was served and some of the ladies took time off to take a look at the different species of fish reared at the farm. A shopping trip was also organised for those who wanted to purchase duty-free items.
In the evening, a Q & A session was put together for members who had sent in their queries earlier. President Zeny fielded these with ease and gave an insider’s view on the functions of Inner Wheel to those present. She also pinned ‘Work Wonders’ themed pins on members of the District Executive Committee and other leaders present.
Participants adhered to the theme of ‘Denim and Lace’ for dinner that night and members showed a lot of creativity in their choice of attire. President Zeny, DC Veni, NR Pari and President TZ posed for photographs with the District Executive Committee, Visitors and Clubs in District 330 in turn. President Zeny also exchanged bannerettes with Club Presidents. There was more entertainment including a play, dancing and a thrilling fire-show during dinner.
Later, some members ventured out to savour the night life on the island while others retired to their rooms and planned their itinerary for the next day which would be their last few hours on the island together before heading home.
The last day had been thoughtfully left ‘Free and Easy’ by the organisers. Some of the ladies opted to go for massages while others did more shopping or met up with friends who live on the island.
Every moment was savoured and treasured with lots of photographs taken and shared also in clubs’ chat-groups back home. The take-away from the whole experience was the easy camaraderie and fun amongst members which is true to the objectives of Inner Wheel.
#WorkWonders
~ Lucy Barrock