Kota Kinabalu: Empowering women is a strategic necessity for Sabah’s sustainable development, said Women, Health and People’s Wellbeing Minister Datuk Julita Majungki.
Her speech, delivered by Assistant Minister Datuk Rina Jainal at the 2026 Sabah Women’s Leadership Academy (AKWan) graduation Saturday, said Sabah could not reach its full potential without greater female participation in decision-making.
Seventy-four women graduated from three AKWan courses, bringing the total trained to 479 — comprising 272 at basic, 123 at intermediate and 84 at advanced level — since the programme began.
Graduate Nur Syafawani Ramlan, 31, said the year-long programme equipped her with leadership skills applicable to community service and household management.
KKIP Sdn Bhd Legal Officer Asnor Nasha Ag Sarpudin, 25, said the programme strengthened her confidence and showed that women need not wait for men to initiate or lead progress.
