KUCHING: The Women of Impact (WOI) Forum is poised to become an annual event, supported by RM50,000 in funding to ensure its continuity, reinforcing efforts to keep women at the heart of development in Sarawak and across the nation.
Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof, said the forum is not merely a celebration of achievements, but a platform that elevates the spirit, sacrifices and strength of women who strive with purpose.
“The forum highlights the voices and perspectives of Sarawakian women, covering various important issues that deserve attention at both the state and Federal levels.
“One of the key issues raised is how the government and all agencies can collaborate with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) through a ‘Whole-of-Government, All-of-Community’ approach to ensure policies crafted truly reflect the needs of the people, based on ground input.
“In this way, policies become more inclusive and focused on holistic solutions,” he told reporters after officiating the forum at the Borneo Cultures Museum today.
Elaborating further, he said the forum’s theme, ‘Driving Social Change’, highlights the extraordinary impact of women who often remain humble, yet are in fact the silent architects who maintain societal balance.
Fadillah in his keynote address also stressed that Sarawak’s culture – rooted in respect, cooperation and balance – ensures that women remain at the centre of development and are never sidelined.
He emphasised that the federal government is committed to supporting women’s work on the ground through various initiatives for skills enhancement, protection and community empowerment.
“Among these are the Laman Wanita (LaWa), KIRANA, MEKAR and Gig@BIT programmes, which provide opportunities for women to strengthen digital economic skills, income-generating abilities, entrepreneurship and leadership,” he said.
Fadillah also highlighted efforts to enhance women’s safety through the Ending Violence Against Women (EVAW) campaign, the Anti-Sexual Harassment Advocacy Programme, Skuad Waja, as well as initiatives such as IRIS (Information, Response, Intervention & Support) and the MATAHARI Psychological Resilience Programme.
“In addition, the KasihnITA programme equips single mothers with skills in legal awareness, financial management, digital literacy and personal development, demonstrating that women’s empowerment spans all layers of society.
“Overall, these efforts form the foundation of a nation that enables women to live with dignity, lead with purpose and grow with confidence,” he stressed.
