NEW DELHI – Sarawak has been selected as the venue for the South Asian International Women’s Assembly 2026 (SIWA2026), which will be held in Kuching from 8 to 10 September 2026.
The announcement was made following high-level meetings in New Delhi between Sarawak’s delegation, led by Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Well-being Development, and Professor Dr Veena Sikri, Chairperson and Trustee of the South Asian Women’s Network (SWAN).
SIWA2026 will be organised under the theme “From the Himalayas to the Hornbills: The Global Ascent of South Asian Women Leaders”.
The assembly aims to strengthen cooperation among governments, civil society, and diaspora communities while promoting inclusivity and leadership opportunities for women across South Asia.
One of the highlights of the programme will be the forum “Hard Truths and Shared Triumphs from the Diaspora’s Trailblazers”, which will feature pioneers, commentators, and identity advocates addressing global challenges faced by women leaders.
The Sarawak Indian Women Association (SIWA), led by its president Penghulu Lucy Linggam, is playing a central role in coordinating the event alongside international NGOs and community organisations.
Lucy, recognised as the first Indian woman Penghulu in Sarawak, has long been active in advancing women’s rights and community development.
Sarawak’s involvement reflects its ambition to become a progressive regional hub for international cooperation.
The state already hosts more than 110 NGOs working on women’s issues, and SIWA2026 is expected to further expand these networks by engaging participants from across Asia and beyond.
Dato Sri Fatimah, who is also the Patron of SIWA, emphasised that the assembly would provide a platform for dialogue among policymakers, academics, professionals, and civil society leaders.
She noted that the event would help Sarawak showcase its commitment to inclusivity, resilience, and sustainable growth.
Professor Dr Veena Sikri, a retired Indian diplomat and academic, praised Sarawak’s readiness to host the assembly, highlighting its role in bridging South Asia with Southeast Asia.
As Convenor of SWAN, she has long advocated for stronger regional collaboration on women’s empowerment.
With Kuching set to welcome delegates from across South Asia, SIWA2026 is expected to enhance Sarawak’s international profile while advancing the global agenda for women’s leadership and social inclusion.
