By Nasuha Badrul Huzaini
SHAH ALAM, Dec 1 — The formation of Wanita Berdaya Selangor (WBS) early this year is in line with seven objectives in the Selangor Women’s Policy.
State executive councillor for public health, women empowerment and family Dr Siti Mariah Mahmud said as of now, WBS has managed to record various achievements in the effort to uplift women in the state.
Among seven objectives included in the women’s policy are promoting gender sensitive development, improving the socio-economic status and autonomy of women, accelerate participation, representation and decision making among women, improving health and prosperity for women in Selangor, as well as freedom from violence and fear.
“Under the first objective, the state government has implemented the Gender Mainstreaming Project. It is being carried out for the second year involving officers from the Gender Focal Team and Gender Focal Point in the Gender Mainstreaming session 2021/2022.
“The Gender Mainstreaming Project has also been recognised by the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, in which the project becomes a source of reference and content in the ‘Gender Responsive Budget for Members of the Parliament’ manual,” she said.
Dr Siti Mariah was responding to a query from Sementa assemblywoman Dr Daroyah Alwi on WBS, during the State Legislative Assembly sitting here today.
She added that under the second objective in 2020, WBS conducted a study titled ‘Socio-Economic Impact of the Covid-19 Movement Control Order on Women’s Lives in Selangor’ involving 442 women in the state.
“Currently, WBS is updating and evaluating the Selangor Women’s Policy Action Plan, in collaboration with researchers and field experts from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.
“The assessment is expected to be completed by mid of next year,” she said.
