06-07-2025
Spa's ‘Women of Strength' initiative lauded for advocating female empowerment
(Standing, from second left) Debbie, Salmah, Fatimah, Then and others gather for a group photo, taken after the launch of Attiya Spa's latest branch.
SIBU (July 6): Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah has lauded the 'Women of Strength' (WOS) initiative taken by Attiya Spa to empower women, especially those from the B40 (low-income) group.
She regarded it as being line with the ministry's, and also Sarawak Women and Family Department (JWKS)'s intention of enabling women to generate income not just to provide for their families, but also for them to come out of poverty.
Under the initiative, Attiya Spa provides free massage training programmes, with the participation targeted at underserved women, especially those in the rural areas.
'At the same time, this initiative enables women to be financially independent and live a life of dignity and respect.
'Often, when a corporate body starts a chain like this, they prioritise profits.
'But Attiya is leading by example giving focus and attention to those who are at disadvantage and the needy segment of our society.
'Their effort is in line with Sarawak government's intention of ensuring that the Sarawak people would have strength in economy, and that the vulnerable groups are always given attention and are never marginalised,' she said when officiating at the opening of Attiya Spa third branch here today.
Established in 2019 in Kuching, Attiya Spa also has a branch in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
The Muslim-friendly spa is rated five stars by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac).
Adding on, Fatimah suggested for the spa to open branches in Miri and Bintulu.
Meanwhile, Attiya Spa founder Dr May Then said the goal was to equip women with practical, income-generating skills, so as to create pathways to employment and support them in achieving financial independence.
'The WOS initiative is part of our commitment to social responsibility providing women, especially those from underserved backgrounds, with an opportunity to gain valuable experience and enter the wellness industry with confidence.
'Some participants may go on to join Attiya Spa as therapists, while others may use their new skills to pursue careers locally or abroad,' she said in her speech earlier.
Among those present were JWKS director Salmah Jobeli, Motac Sarawak director Debbie Jenggut Nyelang and Sibu Labour Office industrial relations officer Hasimah Ahmad. Attiya Spa empowering women fatimah abdullah
