KOTA KINABALU: Women empowerment is high on the State Government’s agenda and this is reflected in the RM5.83 million allocation under the State Budget to implement women’s development programmes through the Sabah Women Affairs Department (Jhewa) this year, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
He said the State Government welcomed like-minded organisations such as the Sabah Women Entrepreneurs and Professionals Association (Swepa) to complement its efforts to empower women.
“We strive to ensure that women get equal opportunities and benefits,” he said at Swepa’s 30th anniversary celebrations and charity dinner at Magellan Sutera Harbour, here, on Sunday. His speech was read by Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew.
Congratulating Swepa for reaching a milestone anniversary, the Chief Minister was glad to learn that at the core of Swepa’s mission was its dedication to empowering women through skills and knowledge development.
“You have consistently proven your commitment to nurturing and enhancing women’s talents through various training programmes, workshops and mentoring initiatives.In the process, many women have been equipped with the knowledge, skills and confidence to break barriers and to excel in diverse fields,” he said.
Hajiji urged Swepa to continue its commendable journey, spread its wings wide to touch more lives and strive for even greater heights.