MIRI: The Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government recognises the contributions of women and holds firmly to the principle of women empowerment as they are one of the most important pillars in the state’s development.
Acknowledging the role of women, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg reiterated the state government’s sincerity in uplifting their dignity.
“There is no doubt that women in Sarawak have achieved many successes in various fields.
“I would like to reassure that nothing in the legislations will be allowed to hinder the achievements of women. Any obstacle must be set aside so as not to hinder the progress of women in various fields.
“This year’s celebration themed ‘Saksama Bersama’ means there should be no gap between the roles played by men and women in developing our society and country. Men and women are equal partners in any field, as such the slogan is no longer “behind every successful man there is always a woman” but it is now “alongside every successful man, there is always a woman,” he said at the state-level Sarawak Women’s Day Celebration here yesterday (March 8).
His text of speech was read by Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah.
Abang Johari said GPS’ sincerity in empowering women was reflected in its 12th state election manifesto which included the point, ‘Empowering Women’s Involvement in Sarawak Development’.
He said promises in the manifesto were not mere talk as various initiatives had been implemented through the Ministry of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing over the years.
“We have trained nearly 18,000 single mothers and low-income women in various skills at the Wisma Wanita Training Centre (WWTC) since 2015, approved the Women Entrepreneur Grant of RM3.5 million which benefitted 1,300 women entrepreneurs to start or increase their businesses since 2018 and produced more than 210 women with leadership skills through the Sarawak Women in Leadership and Decision Making programme since 2019.
“We have also provided facilities for women entrepreneurs to register business licences through the Business Licensing Programme, upgraded the Women’s Bureau to the Women and Family Department to strengthen the role of women in the state’s socio-economic development as well as trained women as ketua masyarakat and ketua kaum (KMKK).
“Besides that, we have increased the number of women in leadership in the public sector and given recognition to outstanding achievements by Sarawak women every year in conjunction with the International Women’s Day and Sarawak Women’s Day celebrations,” he said.
However, the premier said efforts must be further enhanced to ensure that women were equal to men, especially in the public and corporate sectors, as promised in the GPS manifesto.
