KUALA LUMPUR: Sarawak is set to establish a strategic collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in efforts to strengthen gender equality policies and programmes in the state.
Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister, Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, expressed this intention during a recent delegation visit to the UNFPA Malaysia office here.
The collaboration aligns with the establishment of the newly formed Gender Equality Unit under the Sarawak Women and Family Department.
“We see great potential in working with UNFPA, particularly on issues such as reproductive health, the prevention of gender-based violence, and the elimination of harmful practices like child marriage,” she said.
During the briefing session, the Sarawak delegation was briefed by UNFPA Malaysia Country Representative, Dr Julitta Onabanjo, and UNFPA Assistant Representative, Tengku Aira Tengku Razif, on UNFPA’s programmes implemented in over 150 countries.
Earlier, Fatimah also attended the 10th Anniversary Celebration of the 30% Club Malaysia, held at the Securities Commission Malaysia.
Malaysia now records 33 per cent female representation on the boards of the top 100 public listed companies – a milestone regarded as a global benchmark.
Fatimah described this achievement as proof that continued commitment and multi-stakeholder cooperation can elevate women’s participation to a higher level.
