By Yasmin Ramlan
SHAH ALAM, Mar 8 — The Selangor government is constantly striving to ensure women in the state are given equal opportunities as men, said state executive councillor for women empowerment Anfaal Saari.
Acknowledging their contribution to the economy, she expressed the desire to empower this group further, citing initiatives under the state’s Wanita Berdaya Selangor (WBS) organisation as among the efforts taken to realise this objective.
WBS has rolled, among other things, the Lifelong Learning Programme, a scholarship which seeks to help women further their studies.
The programme aims to prepare knowledgeable and competent women for the future through continuous education, in line with the Dasar Wanita Selangor’s (Selangor Women Policy) aspirations.
“Under the second thrust of the First Selangor Plan, which focuses on social inclusivity, it is also our goal that this group is not left behind in terms of socio-economics. This is crucial as specific groups of women, like single mothers and housewives, are particularly vulnerable.
“I intend to effectively implement the state government’s initiatives so Selangor emerges as a prosperous and sustainable state (for all).
“By investing in women and providing them with access to jobs, education, and healthcare, we can enable women to contribute significantly to Selangor’s economy,” she said as a guest on RTM’s Selamat Pagi Malaysia programme this morning.
The Taman Templer state assemblyman added that the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) will organise an event this Sunday (March 10) in conjunction with International Women’s Day today.
Various activities are lined up for the event, which will be held at the Ampang Jaya Municipal Public Park, including a 3km fun walk which she will also participate in, a car-free day programme, decorative gardening, and a forum.
Equal rights for women at MPAJ
Meanwhile, MPAJ president Ani Ahmad shared her plans to empower women at the local authority’s level, including developing a five-year strategic plan for women from 2024 to 2029.
The plan’s idea, which emerged during an engagement session two years ago, will focus on enhancing women when it comes to financial literacy, health, and the economy.
“This document will serve as MPAJ’s guideline and reference. (We view this seriously) as women also play a crucial role in ensuring the local council’s well-being,” she said.
Other initiatives to empower women include granting them equal rights to key positions and management at MPAJ.
Ani noted that presently, approximately 26 per cent of its councillors are women.
“We have also allocated RM50,000 to organise programmes and activities related to women empowerment at the state level,” she said.
