MIRI, March 10: Orang Ulu women have been urged to seek new, non-traditional roles to grow and realise their full potential.
Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration, and Project Monitoring), Datuk Gerawat Gala, said this at the Persatuan Wanita Orang Ulu Miri (PWOUM) International Women’s Day celebration held at a leading hotel here on Thursday night (March 9) where his speech was read by Miri Mayor cum Pujut assemblyman Adam Yii Siew Sang.
He cited an example, saying that among the Kelabit and Lun Bawang communities, the community’s senior leadership positions have traditionally been assumed by men.
“Only recently have women been appointed to be senior community leaders such as Penghulu and Pemancha.
“Additionally, Persatuan Wanita Orang Ulu Miri (PWOUM) is one of the platforms and avenues that can help them,” he added.
Meanwhile, he said that women’s leadership as a sub-theme in community development is rising as more women are appointed as senior community leaders in recognition of their leadership capabilities and abilities.
“We also see the same trend in the public and private sectors where many women are assuming senior positions.
“The government is encouraging private companies to have women represent 30 per cent of their board members and top positions as there is a growing pool of qualified women who can assume these top positions,” he pointed out.
He also said that one of the Sarawak government’s objectives in its Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030) is to have an inclusive society by 2030.
“Part of this inclusivity means giving equal opportunities to all Sarawakians regardless of ethnicity, religion, cultural background, and gender,” he added.
He added that the Federal Constitution also has a similar provision in Article 8 on Equality.
Amongst those present was PWOUM chairwoman Kijan Toynbee. — DayakDaily
