EMPOWERING women and families is vital to fostering a progressive society, said Women, Childhood, and Community Well-being Minister, Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah.
Fatimah who highlighted the ministry’s initiatives towards this end, said much has been done through the Sarawak Women and Family Department to enhance the economic and social standing of women, strengthening family institutions, and addressing key challenges faced by the community.
“The ministry has introduced various programmes, including skills training, entrepreneurship, leadership development, family-strengthening courses, and awareness initiatives on safety, legal matters, and social challenges,” she said in her winding up speech at the State Legislative Assembly on Tuesday (Nov 19) . .
One of the flagship efforts under the Economic Empowerment of Women is the Women Skills Training (WST) programme, she said.
The initiative offers short-term courses in tailoring, culinary arts, beauty, and spa/massage to equip women with practical skills.
“As of October 2024, 185 courses have been conducted with 4,352 participants. Of these, 62.9 per cent have utilised their skills to generate additional income, with 2,659 earning up to RM2,499 monthly and 78 achieving incomes above RM2,500,” she said.
She also highlighted the Sarawak Women Head of Household Assistance programme, which provides a one-off RM500 business capital aid to low-income women.
“So far, 112 recipients have benefited, with 24 of them achieving monthly incomes of up to RM1,397,” she added.
Another initiative is the Sarawak Women Career Outreach Programme which focuses on digital entrepreneurship and coaching.
According to Fatimah, three programmes were conducted, benefitting 1,064 participants. This initiative, she added, underscores the ministry’s commitment to equipping women with the skills needed to thrive in today’s digital economy.
In the realm of leadership development, the ministry has made significant strides through its Women Leadership Programmes. Two leadership programmes were held in Limbang and Mukah, involving 60 leaders from non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
Additionally, two Leadership Boot Camps for Youth were organised in Sibu and Miri, attracting 62 female students.
“An evaluation revealed that 96.73 per cent of participants reported enhanced soft skills, such as communication and social intelligence, essential for effective and inclusive leadership,” she said.
Fatimah also said there have been efforts to empower Persons with Disabilities, particularly in the field of sports.
The Talent Identification Programme identified 85 new talents, who were absorbed into the Para Sarawak contingent to compete in the Para Sukma XXI 2024.
“Notably, Sarawak’s athletes have demonstrated world-class excellence. At the Paris Paralympics, Bonnie Bunyau anak Gustin won a gold medal in the men’s 72kg powerlifting event, setting a new record with a lift of 232kg,” she said.
