By Selangor Journal Team
SHAH ALAM, March 8 — Empowering women in various aspects, especially in economy and politics, should no longer be seen as a choice but a necessity that should be the yardstick in the nation-building process and development of a country.
In addressing the International Women’s Day 2021 (IWD2021) celebration today, Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said that the progress of a country should not merely be measured through foreign direct investment (FDI) or businesses.
“The importance behind the role played by women has become one of the major discourses in modern political thought.
“However, the struggle for gender mainstreaming and the gender pay gap is not over and should be supported continuously,” said the Selangor Menteri Besar in a statement today.
Amirudin said as part of the state government’s efforts to improve the financial situation among women, the Selangor administration had announced the addition of 5,000 recipients of the Kasih Ibu Smart Selangor Ibu Tunggal (KISS IT) initiative, in which each individual would receive RM2,400 a year to cover their family’s basic needs.
“The imbalance between women’s capabilities and the economic and political opportunities offered has inevitably impacted their financial situation,” he said.
Amirudin said the state acknowledges the important role played by women by recognising their efforts in spearheading several portfolios in the state administration, local authorities and state agencies, such as the Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ), Menteri Besar Selangor Incorporated (MBI) and Selangor State Development Corp (PKNS).
He also cited the appointment of the country’s first female Speaker of the Selangor State Legislative Assembly as an example, which was held by Segambut MP Hannah Yeoh, who was previously the Subang Jaya state representative.
“The involvement and contribution of women in business, education, sports, arts, as well as the administration is extraordinary and deserves further recognition,” the statement read.
Amirudin said that the state government will continue on with the efforts under its gender mainstreaming project, which was launched in March last year, and ensure that the access, opportunities and hopes of women are looked after in the state.
“Each level of the society, whether it is the business community, government administration, or family institutions, must work as a team to break the artificial ceiling that restricts the progress of women so that we can use up our efforts to bring forth out true potential.
“On this day on March 8, let us all celebrate together the International Women’s Day — a day for us to remember and recognise the role played by women and their significance in nation-building,” he said.
This year, the theme for International Women’s Day is #ChooseToChallenge, which encourages women to challenge whatever is holding them back.
