On March 8, 2025, the parishioners of the Church of St Thomas the Apostle in Kuantan gathered to celebrate International Women’s Day, a day dedicated to honoring the extraordinary progress and achievements of women throughout history. The event, organized by the parish’s women’s ministry, was a vibrant gathering that united the community in their commitment to celebrating the ongoing journey of women's empowerment.
The festivities kicked off with an insightful introduction by Georgina Lim, who reflected on the origins of this significant day. She highlighted the courageous women who have paved the way for gender equality and emphasized the essential truth that while change often requires patience, we must never hesitate to speak out and actively work towards transformation. “We must never hesitate to speak out and actively work towards transformation,” Lim inspired attendees, reminding them of the inherent strength present in collective action.
The highlight of the day was a heartfelt tribute to six remarkable women from the parish, each aged 80 and above. Their life stories, shared alongside treasured photographs, were both moving and illuminating, showcasing volumes of courage, determination, faith, and love. As they were honored with the medal of St Benedict for their lifelong contributions to the parish, society, and their families, the audience celebrated not only their achievements but also their resilience throughout the decades.
This recognition was more than a ceremonial gesture; it served as a powerful testament to the strength and spirit of women, illustrating how their life journeys have been pivotal in shaping not just their own lives, but the community as a whole.
The day continued with a series of games, activities, and heartfelt fellowship, all led by the dedicated women’s ministry of the parish. The atmosphere was filled with laughter, joy, and connection as attendees engaged in lively dances and friendly games. It was a rekindling of the joy that comes from being part of a close-knit community, further emphasizing the importance of support and camaraderie among women.
In the spirit of celebration, the event concluded with a delicious lunch lovingly prepared by the women of the church, nourishing both their bodies and hearts. “The day concluded with a delicious lunch, lovingly prepared by the women of the church,” reported Euphrasia Kee Yhin Ying, capturing the essence of the communal spirit that characterized the event.
This International Women’s Day celebration at the Church of St Thomas the Apostle not only honored past achievements but also motivated youthful attendees and future generations to keep the spirit of empowerment alive. It was a day that served as a reminder of the strength found in unity, the importance of recognizing the contributions of women at all stages of life, and the need to continue speaking out for gender equality and empowerment in society.
The stories of the honored women, along with the vibrant activities of the day, stand as a call to action—a challenge to all to acknowledge and uplift female achievements while pushing forward the conversation around women's rights and empowerment. Events like these highlight the need for continual reflection on the steps still to be taken towards complete gender equality.
As the participants packed up at the end of the day, they left not just with fond memories, but with renewed energy to engage within their communities and advocate for change. Each individual walked away with the awareness that the journey towards equality, while fraught with challenges, is underscored by moments of collective joy, remembrance, and celebration.
