KOTA KINABALU: The State Government has allocated RM8.24 million to the Sabah Women’s Affairs Department (JHEWA) to implement various women’s empowerment programmes this year, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor.
Apart from operational purposes, the allocation covers economic development initiatives, entrepreneurial training and skills enhancement, leadership, family development as well as product development and promotion, he said.
Hajiji said that, under the framework of the Sabah Maju Jaya 2.0 Development Plan for the 2026 to 2030 period, it is crucial for women’s development to move in tandem with the State’s aspirations.
“Therefore, in this new phase of the State’s development, we want women also to help shape the direction of development through their ideas, expertise, experience, leadership and courage to drive change,” he said at the Sabah-level Women’s Day celebration at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) here on Friday.
Hajiji said one of the key foundations of empowerment is economic strength, particularly amid today’s highly challenging circumstances, including the rising cost of living.
“In this regard, women who possess knowledge, skills, income and access to opportunities will have greater resilience in determining the future of themselves and their families.
“For this reason, the State Government’s approach must shift from merely providing assistance to building capacity; from capacity building to self-reliance; and from self-reliance to creating value, wealth and employment opportunities,” he said.
The Chief Minister said this commitment aligns with the National Women’s Policy 2025-2030, which focuses on women’s empowerment through greater space, opportunities, exposure, economic participation, social protection, and a more responsive employment ecosystem.
He added that the “Sabah First” principle, which is at the core of the State Government’s policy, also requires development opportunities to be extended fairly to all Sabahans.
“This means women in urban, rural and interior areas must have better access to education, skills, employment, entrepreneurship, technology, protection and leadership.
“We want development that does not merely increase growth figures, but genuinely improves the quality of life of the people,” he said.
Hajiji said several initiatives have been introduced for this purpose, including JHEWA BizBloom, which focuses on women’s economic development, particularly single mothers and women in the B40 group.
He said initiatives like these must produce measurable changes, from improved skills to increased income, and from micro-businesses to stronger, more competitive enterprises.
“That is why we want more women entrepreneurs to make use of technology, digital platforms, modern marketing, market networks and access to financing.
“Our aspiration is that products produced by Sabah women entrepreneurs should not only be strong in the local market, but also be able to penetrate wider markets.
“The various initiatives implemented by the Government are aimed at ensuring that all women receive the fairness they deserve, both economically and in employment. In addition, the Government wants to ensure that the benefits of Sabah Maju Jaya 2.0 development are felt by women throughout the State,” he said.
In keeping with current progress, Sabah needs women leaders who are not only prepared to face change but also capable of leading it, he said.
He said it is crucial to build a new generation of Sabah women leaders who possess integrity, knowledge, credibility, courage in decision-making and the ability to lead in an increasingly complex environment.
“I want to see more Sabah women emerge as highly skilled professionals, scientists, technologists, innovators, digital entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, community leaders and leaders in the public service.
“We want Sabah women’s talents to stand on equal footing and excel in every strategic field. At the same time, I want women’s leadership to grow alongside an important culture of successful women opening doors, sharing experiences, mentoring and building the next generation of women,” he said.
Hajiji wants JHEWA to continue working with various government agencies, non-governmental organisations and communities to jointly empower women in urban, rural and interior areas of the State.
He assured that the State Government remains committed to ensuring women continue to be given fair opportunities, avenues for skills enhancement, and support through various empowerment programmes so they remain competitive.
“I call on all parties to continue working together to empower the potential of women so that they become knowledgeable, resilient and capable,” he said.-pr/BNN
