By One of the most important pillars of development in a nation is women, thus it comes as no surprise that the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government is committed and has adhered to the principle of women’s empowerment.
During the 12th State Election (PRN12), the GPS’ commitment in uplifting the dignity of women was proven when it included a commitment to ‘Empowering Women’s Involvement in Sarawak Development’ in its manifesto.
GPS chairman and Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has assured that there will be no laws allowed to suppress the achievements of women in Sarawak.
“There is no doubt that women in Sarawak have achieved many successes in various fields. I would like to reassure that nothing in the legislation will be allowed to hinder the achievements of women.
“Any obstacles must be set aside so as not to hinder the progress of women in various fields,” he said.
COMPREHENSIVE ASSISTANCE
Despite its focus on driving Sarawak towards achieving a high-income and development status, the GPS government has not once forgotten or marginalised the people under its care.
Through the Ministry of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, approximately 18,000 single mothers and low-income women have been trained in various skills at the Wisma Wanita Training Centre (WWTC) since 2015.
More than 200 women with leadership skills have been produced through the Sarawak Women in Leadership and Decision Making since 2019.
The GPS government has also approved the Women Entrepreneur Grant of RM3.5 million which has benefitted over 1,300 women entrepreneurs to kickstart or increase their respective businesses since 2018.
In addition to this, facilities have been provided for women entrepreneurs to register business licenses through the Business Licensing Programme.
In terms of financial assistance, the GPS government introduced the Female Head of Household Micro Assistance (KIRWS) amounting to RM500 for female head of household (KIR) or single mother.
Moreover, the GPS government also introduced postnatal care assistance worth RM450 that mothers who are 22-weeks pregnant can apply.
This assistance was created to assist mothers after childbirth where Abang Johari in presenting the 2020 State Budget allocated RM18 million out of the state’s budget for the purpose of this assistance.
Earlier in 2018, Abang Johari announced the one-off incentive called the Endowment Fund Sarawak (EFS) for newborn Sarawakians which he revealed during tabling of the 2019 State Budget.
Under the EFS, every Sarawakian newborn baby will receive RM1,000 regardless of race, religion, and status.
The main objective of EFS is to assist the recipients in furthering their studies upon reaching 18 years of age or helping them to set up small businesses.
At the same time, the GPS government is coming up with more forms of assistance for the welfare of senior citizens as the state addresses its ageing population by 2030.
MORE WOMEN IN HIGH POSITIONS
Women’s ‘power’ is one of the most important factors that keep Sarawak’s administrative system on track and functioning sustainably in addition to helping to drive local economic growth.
In 2025, Abang Johari had promised that by the year 2025, Sarawak would be able to achieve 30 percent of women in decision-making roles.
As one of the efforts to further strengthen the role of women in administration and economy of Sarawak, they continue to be given equal priority, space, and opportunity in mobilising the drive to develop the state.
The GPS government, based on the principle of ‘women in decision making’ had carried out several programmes to produce competent women leaders at all levels of administration.
Such programmes bring together selected women leaders from all over the state and they are given exposure, skills, as well as training to shape their leadership values.
According to Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, these programmes have been successful in producing quality leaders.
She said participants have shown exceptional development as they are more confident in front of the community to voice out their opinions and spark new ideas.
“What is more gratifying is that some of the participants have become council members or local authorities and even hold important positions in political parties. This is our long-term plan to produce women leaders at various levels,” she said.
At the same time, Abang Johari had said it is not impossible for Sarawak to have its first female Premier one day.
With the number of women leaders growing, he said there was nothing wrong with a female Premier leading the administration of the state as long as she had the support.
“If Rishi Sunak can become the United Kingdom’s prime minister, why not? You have to face reality.
“If she is good, she can unite the people and she has a vision for Sarawak – why not?,” he said after officiating at the GPS Women’s 15th general election (GE15) Election Machinery on Oct 30.
CELEBRATING WOMEN
The United Nations (UN) declared March 8 as International Women’s Day in 1975 and it is a focal point in the women’s rights movement by bringing attention to issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights as well as violence and abuse against women.
Along with the rest of the world, Sarawak also celebrates this important day with celebrations being held at the state level.
While there is a different theme every year, the objectives of Women’s Day celebration remains the same which are to celebrate and to appreciate the contributions of Sarawak’s women in various fields and who have brought honor to Sarawak and Malaysia in general.
The celebration is an annual highlight in the calendar of Sarawak Women and Family Department (JKWS).
During the Sarawak Women’s Day Celebration, various awards are presented to women who have made oustanding contributions in their respective fields as well as to the state.
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