KUALA LUMPUR -Girl2Leader is an organization dedicated to training adolescent girls to become future political advocates.
Housing and Local Government Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin said that Malaysia was lagging behind as the number of women political leaders was still lacking compared to other countries.
“This should be changed as we approach the year 2020, when compared to the Philippines and Thailand, they are far ahead in involving women as state administrators. So in the new era of Malaysia, the Government wants to harness the potential of young women in the country’s political arena,” said Zuraida at the launch of Girl2Leader Malaysia in Hotel Corus, Kuala Lumpur.
Meanwhile, Girl2Leader president, Nurainie Haziqah, says the program involves teens and women aged from 16 to 25 years from various fields and races. She adds that all members would be the driving force of the community, society and country in the future.
“Various activities have been designed to empower young women with confidence and knowledge to meet global political challenges and homeland issues.”
“I hope Girl2Leader will be the aspiration of every young woman in this country in creating a competitive, restored and respected community of women” – Girl2Leader president, Nurainie Haziqah
Masdiana Muhammad, Chairman of the organisation and wife to the Menteri Besar of Selangor, says that great expectations are being placed on this Girl2Leader program as it will ensure that Malaysian women will no longer be left behind, especially from decision-making positions, political leadership, industry and society.
“Although Malaysia has seen a new era, there are many things we need to think about for girls in the country. Children, teenagers and young women should be given the opportunity and space to grow, so that their true potential can be achieved,” says Masdiana at her opening speech during the launch of the program.
“Our task now is to change the perception of Malaysian society which is largely still seeing women as weak and unable to become leaders. Although it has been proven by the existence of female figures in the country, negative perceptions of women’s leadership are still high and we are responsible for changing this perception,” says Masdiana.
The girls involved with the program will meet with female leaders, whether MPs, ADUNs, NGOs and community leaders who will be mentors to them, says Masdiana, who thinks that this is a good step as they will gain knowledge from these leaders, thus allowing them to be a better leader for the future of the nation.
“I really hope that with programs like Girl2Leader, parents and guardians understand that their girls are gems that need to be polished. They are future leaders who need encouragement and guidance to make our country a developed, competitive and brilliant nation for all.”
