AS the International Women’s Day (IWD) fever is still on, the spirit of the celebration was brought to the school level.
The IWD Inter School Speech competition was organised by the Charity Foundation Association of Penang (PKAPP) in collaboration with Bukit Mertajam High School (BMHS), Penang state government, Penang Women’s Development Corporation (PWDC) and state Education Department for the first time, in conjunction with IWD 2019.
Themed ‘Balance for Better’, four students from BMHS, three from SMK Jit Sin and one from Penang Free School took part in the competition.
Berapit assemblyman Heng Lee Lee said she trained herself to speak in public speaking after becoming the assemblyman.
“My hands and my body will shake when I need to speak in public,” said Heng.
“I know that some of you might have the same feeling this morning, but let me tell you, it’s normal. We are all human, we tend to make mistakes. Speaking skills are something that can be honed.
“I must tell you all that you are a hero because you are brave enough to stand here.”
A sports enthusiast, Heng also shared her experience on her participation in few sport competitions.
She also encouraged the students to be persistent in whatever they are interested in, and do not quit easily.
On IWD, Heng said it is celebration of respect, appreciation, love and care towards women.
“We want to honour women who continue to fight for women’s right and break the barriers,” she added.
IWD also gives women an opportunity to reflect on gender equality as well as promoting women’s rights.
During the competition, participants delivered their speeches related to women’s rights, women’s empowerment, women’s role in society and so forth.
Story by K.Thaarshenii
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad