BETONG: Rural women have come out in support of the Sarawak Women and Family Department’s (JWKS) initiative to empower and increase women’s involvement in economic activities.
However, many are of the view that the Sarawak Women’s Career Carnival, which is entering its third edition, should be brought closer to longhouses and villages, in addition to inviting young people who have graduated from schools or institutions of higher education.
For Fainaruzzella Faizul, who holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Administrative Science from Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), the initiative by JWKS is very timely.
“It gives opportunity to families, especially women who are unable to improve the economy by providing skill courses such as sewing and pastry making to increase their knowledge.
“This is very good and I know a lot of help is provided by the government.
“Therefore, this kind of programme should be brought closer to the community, for example held in the village,” said Fainaruzzella when met by Suara Sarawak/New Sarawak Tribune at the career carnival officiated by Deputy Community Welfare Minister Mohammad Razi Sitam in Betong, yesterday.
Stating the lack of youth involvement, she said the participation of school leavers or higher education institutions should be encouraged.
“Don’t be shy or consider this kind of programme boring, it is quite beneficial if we want to improve each other’s socio-economics. We want a thousand ways, not a thousand excuses,” said the native of Kampung Spaoh.
Meanwhile, Nur Shafikah Abdullah from Layar is interested in a partnership to start her own business.
“This carnival added to my knowledge in the field of entrepreneurship and cake making, sewing and most interestingly exposure to get a business licence.
“Thank you to JWKS and the 12 other agencies involved.
“After this, it can be held in the longhouse which will be closer to the community,” she explained.
Another participant from Debak, Rohana Julai said the programme is a platform to connect women especially with various government agencies and industry to get services, job opportunities and generate income.
The Sarawak Women’s Career Carnival Series Three 2022 seeks to increase community awareness regarding services provided by government agencies on women’s career development.
Secondly, to provide exposure and information regarding employment opportunities for women in the formal and informal economic sectors.
And the third objective is to increase women’s access and participation in society through social initiatives and innovations.
