CHIEF Minister Chow Kon Yeow brought some cheer to womenfolk when he visited Chowrasta Market in George Town this morning to distribute flowers in conjunction with the celebration of the International Women’s Day (IWD) 2021.
Upon arrival at the iconic market that was built in 1890, Chow proceeded to give away stalks of carnation to the marketgoers whom he met at Jalan Chowrasta.
Accompanying him were Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng, Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Daniel Gooi, Lau Keng Ee, who is Chow’s special affairs officer in Padang Kota, Penang Island City Council (MBPP) councillor Wong Yuee Harng, Padang Kota service centre workers and MPKK Padang Kota members.
“On behalf of the Penang state government, I would like to take this opportunity to wish Happy International Women’s Day 2021 to all women in the state,” Chow said.
“As is customary, we’re here to distribute 500 stalks of carnations as a symbolic celebration that officially falls on March 8, which is tomorrow around the world.
“In conjunction with the celebration of the International Women’s Day 2021, themed ‘Choose to Challenge’, I call on the people of Penang to challenge gender stereotypes and uproot domestic violence, sexual harassment and gender inequality.
“In the face of current challenges, especially during the Covid-19 period, some have been affected by job and income losses. However, the survival of women, especially in Penang in facing the new normal challenges, is very admirable.
“More and more creative people are exploring fields that can generate side income, especially online business activities. In fact, some even challenge themselves to learn the ins and outs of entrepreneurship as an attempt to help their spouses and families.”
Many of the women looked happy and smiled when they received the flowers from Chow and his team. Some of them took the opportunity to have their photos taken with Chow.
There were a few men who also received the flowers but Chow told them to pass them on to their wives.
In addition to the flowers, Chow’s team members also helped to distribute 400 packets of face mask. Each packet contains 10 pieces of face mask.
An elderly woman, Ruby Yong Ooi Bee, 66, said she was glad to be at the Chowrasta Market after receiving a stalk of flower from Gooi.
“I live nearby and I came to market today with a friend. I’m surprised that the chief minister and his team came today. I’m excited to receive the flower. You can see the perspiration on my forehead.
“It’s nice to see the state government appreciating the efforts of women,” said Yong, who uses a walking stick as her knee is giving her some problems.
Chow said the Social Security Organisation (Socso) reported that a total of 107,024 individuals lost their jobs last year, with a breakdown of 61,157 men (54.14 percent) and the remaining 45,867 women (42.86 percent).
Of that number, 10,465 people in Penang were affected, with a breakdown of 5,474 men (52.308%) and 4,991 women (47.692%).
Penang was the third highest state to record job losses after Selangor (30,450) and Kuala Lumpur (20,089).
For the first two months of 2021, the number recorded nationwide was 14,432 people who lost their jobs, with a breakdown of 8,262 men (57.25%) and 6,170 women (42.75%).
Penang alone accounted for a total of 795 with a breakdown of 419 men (52.704%) and 376 women (47.296%).
Overall, the most affected sectors for the state were manufacturing, followed by accommodation as well as F&B, marketing and professional and technical fields.
The number puts Penang in fourth place after Selangor with 5,183 people, followed by Kuala Lumpur (4,150) and Johor (1,110).
Chow said the state government would continue to elevate the dignity of the women and has increased the allocation of RM1 million previously to RM2.5 million for this year to the Penang Women’s Development Corporation (PWDC) to further strengthen the current agenda.
“We take into account their current needs and interests and will continue to listen to them. Since 2011, we’ve continued the development and empowerment agenda of women through PWDC.
“Moreover, the state government has also adopted the Gender Inclusive Policy so that the policies and programmes implemented take into account of the needs of both women and men.
“The latest is the organising of the Women’s Conference Programme which also provides a platform for women to speak out through politics,” Chow added.
He also expressed hopes that men would play a role to share responsibilities, especially involving welfare matters, childcare, housekeeping, cooking activities, and give support to their spouses to explore and venture into new fields.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Darwina Mohamad Daud