By NURFAATIHAH NORHAZI
Photos by MELANIE KHOO

brats@thestar.com.my

THEIR mission is to empower young women in Malaysia, and given the lack of education on women’s rights here, the three young women behind non-governmental organisation Ladies know they have their work cut out for them.

Ladies was founded in January this year, after 22-year-olds Siti Nur Zaimah Zaini, Faren Zori and Marissa Mahfar decided to do their part in helping young women in the various aspects where they lack empowerment.

(From left) Faren Zori, Siti Nur Zaimah Zaini and Marissa Mahfar, founding members of women’s NGO Ladies.

“We have registered as an NGO, but we are still new. We plan to use social media as our medium to push things further,” said Faren.

The six elements Ladies focuses on are community service, leadership, career and education, beauty and health, media and, family and friends.

The BRATs caught up with the trio at their first public event, Be The Lady, at Universiti Malaya early last month. The event focused on women’s health and beauty, and how it can help boost their confidence.

Representatives from Mary Kay cosmetics were there to give participants makeup tips, and the special guest was Lembah Pantai MP Nurul Izzah Anwar.

A representative from Mary Kay Cosmetics giving participants some makeup tips.

“Our appearance helps with our confidence level,” said Nurul Izzah. “People say beauty is skin deep, but it helps to have the whole package, so this is a very good event to have.”

Ladies now plans to organise other events throughout the year, based on the six elements. Besides motivational talks that are open to public, they also intend to visit schools and take their message to younger women.