PUTRAJAYA: Women have evolved, and today, they enjoy success in various fields.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said since the days of the women’s suffrage movement, the world has become more inclusive world for women.
“Of course, that is not to say our journey of fighting for a more equal and safe world is complete, for millions of women around the world still struggle with discrimination, harassment and injustices which govern their daily lives.
“While we remember the plight of those still marginalised based solely on their gender in our fight for justice and equal opportunities, let us also spend this National Women’s Day celebrating the marvelous and inspiring women of Malaysia,” she said in a National Women’s Day message today.
She said with women representing nearly half the Malaysian population, it comes as no surprise that our country is home to some truly incredible women.
“From the most notable names of our squash superstar, Datuk Nicol David, and legendary filmmaker, the late Yasmin Ahmad, to our lesser known female heroes, who are no less deserving of celebration, such as the dedicated humanitarians Irene Fernandez and Yasmin Rasyid, co-founders of Tenaganita and EcoKnights respectively, Malaysian women have achieved much despite the additional hurdles and limitations set upon us,” the statement read.
Nancy said there have been countless women, from Malaysia and abroad, who have proved that women were capable of achieving greatness, especially in smarts and in sport.
“Two examples are our first Malaysian astrophysicist Datuk Dr Mazlan Othman, who was appointed director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, among her many other achievements, and Sarawak-born diver Pandelela Rinong, who won a medal at the Olympics in 2012.
“From Sarawak, we see some more remarkable women and their inspiring feats.
“To name a few are two women who have used their entrepreneurial wits to help empower the rural communities in Sarawak — Amalina Arip, who co-founded the award-winning social enterprise Catama Borneo, and Abbie Hosanna, one of the four co-founders of the Backyard Tour Guide.
“Perhaps yet another noteworthy name, especially within Sarawak, is Puan Sri Jamilah Anu, a philanthropist who is well known for her charitable and voluntary work, and the wife of the late chief minister of Sarawak Tan Sri Adenan Satem.
“On the other hand, in my current line of work, I may not have been given the opportunity to serve as a minister and member of parliament today if not for some influential and strong-willed women, namely Tun Dr Fatimah Hashim, the first Malaysian female minister, and Tan Sri Dr Devaki Krishnan, the first Malaysian woman to stand in and win an open public election in the country.”
With all these in mind, Nancy said, it has been an important priority for the government that in the journey of transforming our nation into a more developed and progressive country, we continue to encourage, empower and assist Malaysian women in exploring and reaping their full potentials.
“With the government’s effort to promote entrepreneurship skills among Malaysians, focus is especially placed on training women entrepreneurs through the National Transformation Programme.
“Women entrepreneurs, especially those from the bottom 40 percent of income earners, can benefit from micro-credit financing from Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia, where the government allocated RM200 million to; while housewives can participate in the Housewife Enhancement and Reactive Talent Scheme (HEARTS) to equip themselves with the skillset to return to the professional world when they choose to.”
Apart from that, in supporting women in their corporate careers, the government has rolled out measures to encourage corporations to strive for greater gender inclusiveness, especially at leadership and top management levels, she said.
“Additionally, in celebration of Malaysian women and in conjunction with this
year’s National Women’s Day, various governmental agencies will open special lanes exclusively for women between Aug 25 to Sept 8, including the National Registration Department, Immigration Department, Road Transport Department and Public Service Commission.
Nancy urged people to support and celebrate not only big-named Malaysian women who have made and are making the country proud, but also the silent heroes, such as mothers, grandmothers, sisters, friends, colleagues and fellow Malaysians.
“Similarly, my personal hope this National Women’s Day is for more Malaysian women to take up the challenge as well as to be given equal opportunities to enter more decision-making roles and participate in politics.
“At the same time, let us continue to empower women and girls in Malaysia to reach their true potential to continue to do the great and inspiring things they’ve done.”