KUCHING: A delegation from the Sarawak Women and Family Department (JWKS) plans to visit Vietnam very soon to learn more about the participation of Vietnamese women in politics and leadership.
Minister of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said women’s involvement in politics, leadership and decision making level in Sarawak was still very low.
“For instance, up until 2020, there were only seven women currently occupying the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) seats, while in the Parliamentary level, five seats from Sarawak are being occupied.
“The same year also saw more women becoming village and community chiefs.
“That being said, we are going to Vietnam very soon, and the work trip has been approved by the state cabinet. We want to know more and fins our what we can do further to enhance the participation of our women in leadership and decision making,” she said.
Fatimah told a press conference this after attending the Sarawak Women and Family Council meeting at Wisma Wanita here today (February 29).
She added that Vietnam was among the leading countries in the world when it came to women in politics.
“According to a report on gender equality achievements in 2022 during the State Council Assembly, Vietnam’s high position has been achieved thanks to the proportion of women appointed.
“Nearly 30 percent of the Deputy State Council members of the 15th term are women, an increase of 3.5 points compared to the previous term, and the percentage of women’s participation in the People’s Council at the regional and local levels has reached 29 percent,” Fatimah said.
She revealed that there would be more programmes would be held soon on empowering Sarawak women in politics and leadership very soon.
“Not only Vietnam, we also would like to learn from our neighbouring states such as Sabah and how they do it,” she added.
During the press conference, JWKS also provided assistance in the form of cash and food from the Community Social Support Centre (CSSC) to three less fortunate families.
