KAPIT: Women are still under-represented in the country’s economy and Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi who pointed this out wants something done about it.
He believes the Sarawak United National Youth Association (Saberkas) can play a bigger role in contributing to boosting women’s participation in the economy.
Saberkas’ exposure to this issue may offer women new opportunities, he told participants at a business programme here on Saturday.
Based on the Department of National Statistics report in 2021, the involvement of women in the labour force stood at 55.5 per cent.
It paled in comparison to the participation of women in other Asian countries such as Singapore where it was recorded at at 69.7 per cent and Thailand where it stood at 66.8per cent that year.
“The economy is something important for a country and women play an important role in the country’s economic activities,” said Nanta.
He emphasised that women were no longer just supporters of decisions taken by men but can also be involved in making policy decisions in various fields in line with the current trend of globalisation.
Nanta also commended the 150 programme participants – Wanita Saberkas Pelagus, Katibas, Bukit Gotam, and Baleh Branches; the Malaysian Drug Prevention Association (Pemadam) members; Kapit Women wing of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS); and Wanita Serakup Indu Dayak Sarawak (SIDS) members – for successfully following the programme with regard to business endeavours.
Throughout the programme, participants were provided exposure through a conversation session with successful female entrepreneurs, in addition to a workshop on making traditional necklaces using beads.
