Women empowerment requires collaboration of all parties at grassroots, says minister

KUCHING (Jan 28): The agenda for women’s empowerment requires continuous collaboration between the government, communities, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and the private sector, and cannot be borne by any single party alone, said Dato Sri Nancy Shukri.

The Minister of Women, Family, and Community Development (KPWKM) said this approach is crucial to ensure that women, whether in urban or rural areas, have equal opportunities.

She said her ministry believes that women’s empowerment must be felt in everyday life.

“In line with this, we adopt a grassroots approach to engage with communities, listen directly to their needs, and ensure that no woman in Sarawak is left behind,” she said during the 2026 International Women’s Day Celebration for the Borneo Zone at a hotel here, officiated by the Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

Nancy added that economically, KPWKM has implemented the Wanita Dinamik programme to help women generate income and become independent.

“Since 2021, a total of 21,274 women nationwide have been assisted, while in Sarawak alone, around 8,000 women have benefited, including nearly 300 who are with us today. Each participant also received a RM500 grant for their small businesses.

“Approximately RM4 million has been allocated specifically for Sarawak in efforts to support their entrepreneurial opportunities,” she said.

She further informed that the ministry is also strengthening leadership through the Women’s Leadership Apprentice (Perantis) programme, with 100 women selected nationwide, 11 of whom are from Sarawak.

“They receive grants of RM50,000 to train other women in leadership, creativity, and entrepreneurship. Overall, this initiative has benefited 4,122 participants, including 644 from the Borneo zone,” she explained.

Meanwhile, she noted that women’s health cannot be overlooked. Therefore, the ministry, through the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN), aims to screen 32,000 women for cervical cancer via HPV DNA testing this year.

“In Sarawak, Kampung Santubong has been selected as a pilot location, and over the past few years, more than 53,000 Sarawakian women have been screened, allowing early detection of cases and saving lives.

“Every effort demonstrates the federal government’s commitment to ensure that women in Sarawak are not only protected but empowered in terms of income, leadership, and health. When women are independent and healthy, the whole family benefits,” she said.

She also highlighted that women make up nearly half of the country’s population, and their contributions complement every development effort undertaken.

“Women have come a long way, yet there is still much room for improvement. That is why International Women’s Day is celebrated — to appreciate women’s achievements today while strengthening efforts to open more opportunities in the future,” she said.

Regarding the event, held under the theme “Memartabat Wanita, Memperkukuh Negara” (Upholding Women, Strengthening the Nation), she said it reminds everyone that a nation’s strength begins with the strength of its women.

“If our women are confident, knowledgeable, and competitive, Sarawak’s future will certainly be brighter.

“With that spirit, I am confident that under the leadership of the Premier and through close cooperation between the Sarawak and federal governments, the women’s empowerment agenda in Bumi Kenyalang will continue to be strengthened,” she said.