KUCHING: The Sarawak Women and Family Council held its first meeting for the 2025 session today, attended by 22 council members.
“A key focus was women’s empowerment, particularly in entrepreneurship. The council highlighted that supporting women in business can reduce poverty, increase household incomes and improve family well-being,” said Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah at a press conference after chairing the meeting at Wisma Wanita.
“By empowering women in business, we are not only helping them become financially independent but also strengthening families and communities,” she added.
The council also addressed gender equity and equality, acknowledging that disparities still exist. Women were urged to work harder to achieve the government’s social inclusivity goals by 2030.
Another key agenda was women leadership development.
“The state government has approved the Women Leadership Chair at Swinburne University to develop female leaders. Additionally, the new Gender Equity and Equality Unit under the Women and Family Department was introduced to enhance inclusivity,” Fatimah said.
The meeting also focused on women’s safety and protection, particularly for disadvantaged women and divorcees.
“Support systems will be strengthened through collaboration with the Social Welfare Department and Syariah Judiciary Department of Sarawak (JKKS),”she added.
She also highlighted that the Sarawak Women’s Day 2025 celebration will be held on April 26 at Serian Convention Centre, under the theme: “Sarawak Women Creating Legacies.”
“Initially planned for Bintulu, the event was moved to Serian due to venue constraints, but Bintulu will still host related activities,” she said.
The 2025 celebration is set to be a milestone event in Sarawak’s commitment to women’s empowerment.
Fatimah also stressed the importance of collaboration with government agencies and organisations to maximize the impact of women’s programmes.
“By working together, we can achieve better outcomes,” she said.
