IT USED to be known for its baby shows, dance competitions and weekend carnivals. But in a bid to be more in tune with the tougher times, the 42-year-old women's wing of the People's Association (PA) is switching its focus from leisure to programmes that help the needy.

Among its recent offerings - helping low-income women start their own businesses, providing free meals and food vouchers to the needy, and helping unemployed women with job searches.

Its latest project - to mentor little girls from low-income families - will be launched by Education Minister Ng Eng Hen tomorrow as part of celebrations for International Women's Day on March 8.

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