MIRI: The Gender Sensitivity: GENDERate Change@Workplace 2026 programme is serving as an important platform to strengthen awareness and understanding of gender-related issues while promoting safer, more inclusive, and discrimination-free workplaces across Sarawak.
Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, said the initiative forms part of the state government’s ongoing efforts to advance gender equality and foster professional working environments built on mutual respect and inclusivity.
She said the programme is initially targeting participants from various sectors before being expanded to government-linked companies (GLCs) and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in the future to widen its impact.
“This year, the programme is being held in three main locations, namely Miri, Sibu and Kuching, to ensure broader outreach to the target groups throughout the state,” she said in a speech delivered on her behalf by Deputy Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Datuk Rosey Yunus, during the programme in Miri today as reported by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS).
Organised by the Sarawak Women and Family Department (JWKS), the two-day programme, held from June 25 to 26, brought together 52 participants from various state and federal government agencies.
Fatimah said the initiative reflects the Sarawak Government’s commitment to empowering women, strengthening family institutions and enhancing community wellbeing through an inclusive approach.
She also highlighted recent national gender statistics, noting that the Malaysia Gender Gap Index (MGGI) improved to 0.708 in 2024, up from 0.705 in 2023, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), indicating continued progress in women’s empowerment.
However, she pointed out that the gender gap in political empowerment remains significant, with a score of 0.096, underscoring the need for sustained efforts to increase women’s participation in leadership and decision-making at all levels.
“In line with this, the state government will continue intensifying initiatives to strengthen women’s leadership and capacity-building to ensure women are not only participants in development but also future leaders and policymakers,” she said.
During the event, Rosey also presented the Sarawak Women Head of Household Assistance (KIRWaS) to eight recipients and handed over the Women’s NGO Empowerment Grant to representatives of three women’s organisations.
