THE Penang Women Development Corporation (PWDC) has established itself to become an entity in developing women in politics and the economy after 10 years of its inception, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said.
He was full of praise for PWDC for playing a vital role in realising the women’s agenda.
“I can still remember vividly the introduction of the Gender Responsive and Participatory Budgeting (GRPB) initiative during my tenure as a state executive councillor back then.
“The introduction of GRPB to the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) is important to ensure no one is left behind, regardless of gender.
“The transformation and achievement by PWDC in these 10 years are much lauded as PWDC has formed itself to become a formidable platform for women.
“PWDC has also implemented various programmes for the benefit of the people,” he said in his speech in celebration of the PWDC’s 10th anniversary in St Giles The Wembley Hotel tonight.
Chow hoped that PWDC could continue to thrive in the future.
“It is an agency that is championing social and women’s issues,” he said, while complimenting them for being awarded the Geospatial World Excellence Award in Amsterdam, the Netherlands recently.
State Non-Islamic Religious Affairs and Social Development Committee chairman Chong Eng thanked former Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and Chow for their support rendered to PWDC.
“The formation of the Women and Family Development Committee (JPWK) platform is one of the achievements of the agency.
“We are also delighted that the Village Community Management Council (MPKK) women’s representation has now achieved 30%.
“We look forward to more accolades from PWDC in the future,” she said.
Among those present were PWDC chief executive officer Ong Bee Leng, State Speaker Datuk Law Choo Kiang, State Deputy Speaker Datuk Dr Amar Pritpal Abdullah, state Environment and Welfare Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh, Bukit Mertajam MP Steven Sim, Sungai Pinang assemblyman Lim Siew Khim and Penang Island City Council (MBPP) councillors.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix & video by Law Suun Ting