Kota Kinabalu: The State Government has allocated RM8.24 million to the Sabah Women Affairs Department (Jhewa) this year to fund a range of women’s empowerment programmes.
“Initiatives like this must produce measurable change, from improved skills to higher incomes, and from micro businesses to stronger, more competitive enterprises,” said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor at the State-Level Women’s Day Celebration 2026, here, Friday.
He said the programmes include Jhewa Bizbloom, which focuses on the economic development of women, particularly single mothers and B40 women.
“The Government wants more women entrepreneurs to make use of technology, digital platforms, modern marketing, market networks and access to financing,” he said, adding the aspiration is clear that products made by Sabah’s women entrepreneurs should not only hold strong in the local market but also break into wider markets.
Hajiji said the various initiatives carried out by the Government are meant to ensure all women receive their rightful share of justice, both in economic terms and in employment.
He said under the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya 2.0 framework for 2026 to 2030, the development of women is critical to keeping pace with the State’s aspirations.
“In this new phase of state development, women should also help shape the direction of that development through their ideas, expertise, experience, leadership and courage to drive change.
“Economic strength is one of the main pillars of empowerment, especially given today’s challenging conditions, including the rising cost of living,” he said.
Hajiji said women who have knowledge, skills, income and access to opportunities will have stronger resilience to determine their own future and that of their families.
He said the State Government’s approach must shift from mere aid to capacity financing, from capacity building to self-reliance and from self-reliance to the creation of wealth and job opportunities.
He gave an assurance that the State Government remains committed to ensuring women continue to receive fair opportunities, room to upskill and support through empowerment programmes so they remain competitive.
“I call on all parties to continue working together to empower the potential of women so they become knowledgeable, resilient and dignified women,” he said.
At the event, Hajiji presented the Special Serikandi Entrepreneur Award to automotive entrepreneur Datin Saadiah Abdul Rashad, the Serikandi Social Service Award to community activist Datin Zaleha Mohammad Kassim, and the Corporate Woman Icon Award to corporate figure Datin Susan Wong Siew Guen.
