By Dayangku Hidayatul
KUCHING, Jan 28: Nearly 8,000 women in Sarawak have benefited from federal women’s empowerment programmes since 2021, supported by millions in grants and targeted initiatives aimed at strengthening women’s roles in development and leadership.
Malaysia’s Minister of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM) Dato Sri Nancy Shukri said the programmes reflect the federal government’s commitment to ensuring women in Sarawak are empowered in practical, everyday ways and are not left behind.
“Women make up almost half of the population in our country. Their contributions complement every development effort we undertake,” she said at the International Women’s Day 2026 Borneo Zone celebration held at a prominent hotel here today, which was officiated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Nancy noted that the Dynamic Women programme has assisted 21,274 women nationwide since its launch in 2021, including almost 8,000 women in Sarawak, through RM500 grants and close to RM4 million in total funding.
She added that leadership development efforts are strengthened through the PERANTIS programme, which supports 100 women nationwide, including 11 from Sarawak, with RM50,000 grants. The programme has benefited 4,122 participants, including 644 from the Borneo Zone.
Women’s health remains a key priority, she said, with the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) set to conduct cervical cancer screenings for 32,000 women at Kampung Santubong. This comes on top of more than 53,000 Sarawak women who have already undergone screening and benefitted from early detection.
Nancy said International Women’s Day serves as both a celebration of women’s achievements and a reminder that more needs to be done to expand opportunities.
“Women have made significant progress, yet there is still much room for improvement. That is why International Women’s Day is celebrated — to recognise women’s achievements today while strengthening efforts to create more opportunities in the future,” she said.
During the event, Nancy also paid tribute to the late Professor Dato Dr Madeline Berma, remembering her as an academician who championed women and rural communities.
“Her service and legacy remind us that a woman’s knowledge, courage, and sincerity can bring about significant change for the people,” she said.
She stressed that close collaboration between the federal and Sarawak governments is crucial in ensuring equal opportunities for all women in the State.
“When our women are confident, knowledgeable, and competitive, Sarawak’s future will undoubtedly be brighter,” she said, expressing confidence that women’s empowerment in the Land of the Hornbills will continue to be strengthened.
Also present were Abang Johari’s daughter, Dayang Norjihan; Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian; Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development (KPWK) Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah; State Legislative Assembly (DUS) Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar; and Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP) Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, along with other dignitaries. — DayakDaily
