KUCHING: Women’s participation in Sarawak’s labour force continues to show an upward trend, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said this reflects the growing confidence among women to enter the workforce, engage in business, and contribute to household incomes.
According to him, capacity-building and entrepreneurship programmes organised by the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM) have benefited tens of thousands of women, including those from rural communities and single mothers.
“Women’s economic empowerment is not just about statistics. It is about ensuring that every woman has her own source of income, self-confidence and a more secure future,” he said at the International Women’s Day Celebration for the Borneo Zone held here today.
Citing World Bank data, Abang Johari said women now account for more than 45 per cent of participation in the creative and digital economy sectors globally, while in Malaysia, more than 60 per cent of community-based micro-enterprises are run by women.
He stressed the importance of online commercial activities in expanding women’s participation in the modern economy, particularly in rural areas.
“To empower rural communities, including the Penan, programmes had been introduced to enhance income generation.
“Sarawak Energy Bhd (SEB), for example, supports rural Penan communities by purchasing their products, which are now being marketed as far as the United States.
“This clearly shows that women in Borneo have tremendous potential in areas such as handicrafts, local food production, community-based tourism and the digital economy, enabling them to reach national and international markets through e-commerce and technology,” he added.
Touching on rural and indigenous women, Abang Johari said they play a vital role as drivers of household economies, custodians of cultural heritage and pillars of social stability within their communities.
He cited a 2023 United Nations report which highlighted that empowering rural women economically has a direct impact on improving children’s education, family health and overall community stability, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“In Sarawak, women from various ethnic communities play a leading role in preserving customs, culture and social harmony,” he said.
He added that the appropriate use of technology, including digital literacy training, mobile business applications, and access to digital infrastructure, can further strengthen the participation of rural and indigenous women in the modern economy without eroding their cultural identity and heritage.
Abang Johari said the Sarawak Government will continue to strengthen women’s empowerment through a structured and holistic policy framework under the National Women’s Policy and the Women Development Action Plan 2025-2030.
He described the framework as a key foundation in advancing women’s development, encompassing economic empowerment, leadership development, social protection, and overall well-being.
“These approaches are aligned with national development aspirations that emphasise inclusivity, social justice and balanced regional growth, and are particularly relevant to Sarawak’s diverse geographical and demographic landscape,” he added.
The event also saw the launch of the ‘Dasar Wanita Negara’ book.
