THE search for the participants in ‘Penang Women’s Assembly 2021’ has begun with the virtual launch of ‘Jelajah Sidang Wanita 2021’ today.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who officiated the event, lauded the participants for portraying the spirit of self-resilience by taking up the challenge to hone their leadership skills through their participation.
“Kudos to all the 275 participants! Your involvement proves that you are extraordinary and of great potential to become successful leaders in the future.
“I believe that this would be a starting point to unleash your talents in politics,” said Chow during his speech at the launch of the event today.
Chow said the state government upholds the gender inclusiveness policy in its administration, which is also in line with the Penang2030 vision.
“The state government has adopted a gender inclusive policy for its agencies and departments with a ratio of 40:40:20, which is 40% women, 40% men and 20% both women and men.
“This is to create equal opportunity for both genders as well as to include both women and men’s perspective during a decision making.
“As the Chief Minister of Penang, I will always be committed to support initiatives pertaining to narrowing the gender gap.
“The establishment of the Women and Family Development Committee (JPWK), which is the first in Malaysia, is an effort by the state government to empower women to become leaders,” added Chow.
Apart from that, Chow also shared that the Penang Women’s Assembly (the all-women mock assembly), which had its inaugural launch last year, has inspired other states to come up with a similar initiative for their womenfolk.
“The Negeri Sembilan state government, through its Power House Wanita Gemilang, has launched its Negeri Sembilan Women’s Assembly by emulating the model used by the Penang Women’s Assembly.
“The organisers had also invited the PWDC to share their experience and expertise with them, and this signifies the success of women’s agenda championed in Penang which has indeed paved the way for others to follow suit,” said Chow.
Chow also thanked the state Assembly Speaker Datuk Law Choo Kiang for the tremendous support shown towards the Penang Women’s Assembly initiative.
“I would like to also thank the state executive councillor for Non-Islamic Religious Affairs and Social Development Chong Eng for being the driving force and the pillar of women empowerment in the state.
“Thank you also to the working committee of this programme, namely Sungai Pinang assemblyman Lim Siew Khim, Batu Kawan MP Kasthuriraani Patoo, Seri Delima assemblyman Syerleena Abdul Rashid as well as PWDC chief executive officer Ong Bee Leng for their valuable inputs towards this programme,” said Chow.
Meanwhile, Chong Eng said the ‘Jelajah Sidang Wanita 2021’ would involve the selection process to be conducted by a total of 15 facilitators.
“Out of the 275 participants, a total of 100 individuals will be selected today. This selection programme, which supposedly should have taken place physically in all the five districts, is now conducted virtually due to the current Covid-19 pandemic.
“The participants will also get the opportunity to interact with the state assemblymen and parliamentarians during the session today.
“You have to understand that there is inequality when there is inequality in power; thus platform such as this must be optimised by women,” Chong Eng said, while adding that there would be another screening process conducted to choose the best 40 candidates.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi
Video Chan Kok Kuan