Kota Kinabalu: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the State Government has allocated about RM10 million to the Sabah Women’s Affairs Department (Jhewa) for the implementation of programmes to develop and empower capable women leaders.
He said women’s development remains a priority, with equal opportunities and benefits to be ensured across various sectors.
“In view of this, more women have been appointed to policy and decision-making roles in the public service and government agencies.
“I hope women empowerment efforts such as this symposium will continue to be carried out with the support not only of the Government but also the private sector, civil society and local communities.
“We aim to nurture a generation of Sabah women who are resilient, knowledgeable, highly skilled and capable of leading not only in their communities but also at state, national and international levels,” he said at the Sabah Women Leaders Symposium at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), Thursday.
His speech was delivered by State Community Development and People’s Wellbeing (KPMKR) Minister Datuk James Ratib.
Hajiji noted that challenges remained, including the employment gap between men and women, indirect gender discrimination, cultural barriers and social perceptions that sometimes limit women’s potential.
“Ensuring fair access to education, training and economic opportunities also required continuous attention,” he said.
The Chief Minister said the empowerment programme had gone through several phases, beginning with the Engagement with Sabah Women’s Leaders session in June which gathered 1,300 participants. From there, 300 were shortlisted for the Phase 1 Women’s Lab workshop, followed by the Phase 2 Incubator Lab where 75 women presented projects and papers.
Those who completed both phases will join the Global Women @ Sabah (Glow @ Sabah) special empowerment project.
“I am confident this one-day symposium will leave a positive impact on all the remarkable women who attended,” he said.
About 3,000 women from across Sabah took part in the symposium, which focused on education, economy and leadership, in line with the National Women’s Policy.
Also present were Assistant Minister of KPMKR Datuk Flovia Ng, Permenant Secretary of KPMKR Datuk Maria Chong, Institute Development Studies Chairman Datuk Seri Azizah Dun, Sabah Women Advisory Council (MPWS) Chairperson Datuk Rosmawati Lasuki, other officials from various agencies and participants.
