THE State Government is committed to continually empowering women in the State through various development programmes, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
He said RM5.81 million was allocated to the Sabah Women’s Affairs Department (JHEWA) and RM700,000 to the Sabah Women’s Advisory Council (MPWS) to implement human capital development programmes for the wellbeing of women.
“The large allocation proves the Government greatly appreciates the role and contribution of women as a whole.
“The State Government will continue to place an important emphasis on women in the State’s 2023 Budget to be presented later,” he said, when officiating the State-level Women’s Day celebration at Magellan Sutera Resort, Kota Kinabalu, on Oct 28.
He also launched the 10-year Master Plan of Women Development Book produced by MPWS, JHEWA and various relevant government departments, agencies and higher learning institutions like UMS and UiTM, among others.
Hajiji presented six awards, namely the “Tokoh Wanita Sabah” to Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) Chairman Datuk Seri Azizah Mohd Dun and the Outstanding Woman Award to former State Museum Director Joanna Datuk Kitingan while the Outstanding Young Entrepreneur Award to Managing Director of Raspand Motor Sdn Bhd, Datin Saadiah Abdul Rashad and Director of Beautyspells Sdn Bhd Norsidayati Mustari.
Meanwhile, the Rural Leadership Award was won by craft product entrepreneur Emily Jeneble and Outstanding Mother Special Award went to a housewife who successfully raised 18 children, Raseni Suparno.
“As an inclusive Government, giving more opportunities to women is a sign of the Government’s concern for this group as the main driver of national progress, developing family institutions, strengthening the culture of a caring community and playing a role in the development of the community alongside men,” Hajiji said.
Hajiji said that women’s development is one of the important agendas that the Government focuses on in the context of State development.
“We have seen the success of women’s achievements and contributions in various fields, especially in this State. Hence, the State Government always adheres to the principle of women’s empowerment in all aspects.
“Women are still shackled with common or stereotype issues. This includes leadership, involvement as a decision-maker, and the double burden for working women to balance the demands of work and family.
“The gender gap that is still significant in leadership, politics and decision-making is a loss to the country that we need to deal with in an integrated and comprehensive manner. This is because there are many women, especially in Sabah, who have the calibre and potential to hold high positions in an organisation,” he said.
Also present were the Chief Minister’s wife, Datin Seri Datuk Juliah Salag; Community Development and People’s Wellbeing Minister Datuk Ir Shahelmey Yahya and State Secretary Datuk Seri Sr Safar Untong; as well as the MPWS Chairperson cum the organising chairman of the ceremony Datuk Dr Tarsiah TZ Taman; JHEWA Director cum co-organiser of the event, Haslina Ismail.
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