On 7 March 2025, IJN College and Mercy Center of Humanitarian Development successfully hosted an inspiring talk, “A Conversation on Women Leadership and Empowerment,” in conjunction with International Women’s Day 2025. This empowering event brought together 150 attendees, including students, professionals, and aspiring leaders, to celebrate the achievements of women across various fields.
The event was designed not only to celebrate women’s achievements but also to inspire future generations of female leaders. By highlighting success stories, we aim to motivate attendees to pursue their aspirations without hesitation. Each speaker shared their unique journey, underscoring the diverse paths women take to reach leadership positions.
Empowering Women Through Knowledge & Experience
Moreover, the panel discussions emphasized the importance of skill development, including negotiation tactics, public speaking, and strategic networking. Attendees were encouraged to harness these skills to better position themselves within their respective fields and industries. Workshops on these topics are planned for future events, aiming to equip women with the tools necessary for effective leadership.
The event featured an esteemed panel of accomplished female leaders, each sharing their personal journeys, challenges, and successes as leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers.
⭐ Prof Emerita Dr. Durrishah Idrus discussed her research on women in academia, highlighting the barriers and breakthroughs she encountered.
⭐ YM Raja Datin Riza Shazmin shared her experiences in the legal field, focusing on the necessity of representation and advocating for policy changes.
⭐ Dr. Sharifah Shawati encouraged attendees to embrace their unique backgrounds as strengths in their leadership journeys.
⭐ Dr. Farah Nini presented case studies illustrating the impact of children’s rights advocacy in Malaysia.
⭐ Puan Munirah Hanim offered practical advice for balancing professional ambitions with family life, emphasizing the role of support systems.
⭐ Dr. Hariyati Shahriman Abdul Majid led a discussion on the importance of mental health resources in the workplace, outlining actionable steps organizations can take.
Distinguished Speakers:
Interactive activities allowed participants to engage with the speakers, facilitating deeper discussions about the topics presented. Attendees left with not only inspiration but also actionable insights on how to navigate their own professional paths.
Looking ahead, IJN College is dedicated to implementing follow-up initiatives that will support participants in their leadership journeys. This includes creating mentorship pairings and developing online resources tailored to women in leadership.
⭐ Prof Emerita Dr. Durrishah Idrus – Chief Executive of IJN College, recipient of the Professor Emerita title from DYMM Tunku Permaisuri Johor in 2023.
⭐ YM Raja Datin Riza Shazmin – CEO of Mercy Center of Humanitarian Development, accomplished lawyer, and founder of her own law firm.
⭐ Dr. Sharifah Shawati – Former broadcasting figure turned corporate leader, advocating leadership and empowerment.
⭐ Dr. Farah Nini – SUHAKAM Children’s Commissioner, dedicated to advocating for children’s rights and welfare.
⭐ Puan Munirah Hanim – Entrepreneur, proud mother of an autistic child, and an inspiring figure featured in Cycle Uzair Cycle on Tonton.
⭐ Hariyati Shahriman Abdul Majid – Head of Research & Innovation (Non-Clinical) at IJN College, expert in workplace mental health, crisis support, and psychological well-being.
“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” – Peter Drucker
Celebrating Women’s Strength & Impact
As we celebrate women’s achievements, let us also commit ourselves to fostering environments where women can thrive, ensuring that the next generation has even more opportunities for success.
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This event highlighted the importance of women in leadership and the power of resilience in overcoming obstacles. Attendees had the opportunity to engage in discussions on women’s empowerment, gender equality, leadership development, and career growth.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, IJN College remains committed to fostering an inclusive environment that empowers women to excel in their respective fields.
Happy International Women’s Day!
“There are two powers in the world; one is the sword and the other is the pen. There is a third power stronger than both, that of women.” – Malala Yousafzai
Join the Conversation
At IJN College, we continue to support women’s empowerment, leadership development, and equal opportunities. Stay connected with us for upcoming events that inspire growth and change!
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