By WU VUIDE
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government has allocated RM10 million to the Sabah Women’s Affairs Department (JHEWA) to implement development programmes, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
He said the move was aimed at ensuring women are given equal opportunities and benefits, noting that more women are now being appointed as policy and decision-makers in the public service and government agencies.
“I hope women empowerment efforts, such as symposiums, will continue to be implemented and supported not only by the government but also by the private sector, civil society organisations, and local communities.
“We aim to nurture a generation of Sabah women who are resilient, knowledgeable, highly skilled, and capable of leading not only within their communities but also at the state, national, and international levels,” he said when officiating the Sabah Women Leaders Symposium at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC).
His speech was delivered by Community Development and People’s Wellbeing Minister Datuk James Ratib.
Hajiji said women in Sabah still face challenges, including gaps in employment opportunities, indirect gender discrimination, cultural barriers, and societal perceptions that sometimes limit their potential.
He added that equal access to education, skills training, and economic opportunities must remain a priority requiring continuous attention from all parties.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the state’s ongoing women’s empowerment initiatives, including the Engagement with Sabah Women’s Leaders programme held on June 16, 2025, which drew 1,300 participants.
From that session, 300 women were shortlisted to take part in the Sabah Women’s Lab Phase 1 workshop. During Phase 2, the Incubator Lab, 75 participants successfully presented their projects and papers.
Hajiji congratulated those who completed both phases, saying they would now participate in the Global Women @ Sabah (GLOW@SABAH) special empowerment project.
“I am confident this one-day Sabah Women Leaders Symposium will have a positive impact on all the remarkable women who attended and participated,” he said.
The symposium, which attracted about 3,000 women from across the state, focused on three key areas—education, economy, and leadership (politics)—in line with the National Women’s Policy.
