To be a developed region or territory of Malaysia by 2030 and ensure continued progress after that, Sarawak must not overlook or disregard the participation of its women in various fields of endeavours.
This is why Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) is fully committed to empowering the women in the development of the state via numerous programmes.
Assigning roles and functions to women helps to ensure the prosperity and stability of the communities they belong. Since they know what they need and want, they can suggest ideas and plans to meet the specific requirements of women in various sectors of society.
Thrust 22 in the GE15 GPS Manifesto stresses the importance of enhancing women’s participation in Sarawak’s development. The democratic processes in our nation have made it possible for women to participate in various sectors of development.
Their participation also reduces gender discrimination in our society. Women also participate in the organisation of GPS activities and programmes to jointly develop Sarawak.
How can we enhance women’s participation in the development of Sarawak?
Firstly, by appointing more women to key roles in government agencies and as community leaders and tribal leaders (KMKK) and local councillors. This gives women equal rights to participate in different activities involving leadership and politics. For instance, Sarawak women in associations and political parties can serve as well-informed channels for bringing up women’s opinions and addressing social issues in our society.
The increase in the number of female GPS candidates in this 15th general election demonstrates women’s potential to advance alongside males.
This group of women has begun to dominate election processes such as undertaking campaign activities, a positive sign for the emergence of women as national leaders. And five of the 31 GPS candidates are women with political experiences and female youth candidates.
The large number of women with political experiences such as Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, Datuk Rubiah Wang, Datuk Seri Hanifah Taib and Datuk Seri Doris Sophia Brodie as well as the new female youth candidate Rodiyah Sapiee is proof that GPS supports and welcomes women’s participation in every election, party leadership, state assembly and holding a seat in parliament too.
Secondly, to increase the number of female entrepreneurs in a variety of business disciplines, enabling them to drive the economy of Sarawak together with the government.
Indirectly, this strategy will boost the income and quality of life of women in the targeted family group. For women entrepreneurs in Sarawak to continue succeeding in their different sectors, they are provided with comprehensive infrastructures such as industrial estates, entrepreneurs’ porches, commercial premises and hawker centres. This point is articulated in the GPS Manifesto’s Core 17 coherently.
Thirdly, ensure women’s rights and their active participation in many sectors of socioeconomic development in Sarawak. This can include women’s participation in policymaking and sectoral decision-making aimed at planning and empowering economic growth and the social life of the society as a whole.
Fourthly, enhance legislations on women and children so that they are better protected. A proper channel should be introduced to fight for the rights of women and children and ensure their safety and prosperity.
Because women have the potential to bring more development to various sectors in Sarawak, including social, economic and political fields, equal rights must be fought for to reduce prejudice against them and solve many social issues in the society.
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** Dr Nur Aida Kipli (PhD) is a senior lecturer at Universiti Teknologi MARA, Kota Samarahan, Sarawak.
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DISCLAIMER
The views expressed here are those of the analyst and do not necessarily represent the views of New Sarawak Tribune.
