A TOTAL of 2,500 roses were distributed to marketgoers and stall operators, particularly women, at Chowrasta Market and Cecil Street Market today in conjunction with International Women’s Day 2026, as a gesture of appreciation for their contributions to families, society and the nation.
The initiative was carried out by Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development and Tanjong MP Lim Hui Ying, together with Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng, Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng, Penang Island City Council (MBPP) councillors Nicholas Teng Jie Wey and Foo Yu Keong, Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM) Penang director Ahmad Shukri Jamaluddin, members of the Village Community Management Council (MPKK) and Women and Family Development Committee (JPWK).
Lim said that although the gesture was symbolic, it conveyed a meaningful message about the important role women play in the development of families, communities and the country.
“International Women’s Day is not merely an annual celebration but also an important platform to recognise the roles and contributions of women across various sectors of life.
“Whether as mothers who form the backbone of the family, workers contributing to the national economy, entrepreneurs creating employment opportunities or leaders within communities, women are among the key drivers of societal progress,” Lim told reporters before the walkabout at Penang Road.
Lim noted that this year’s theme by KPWKM, “Memartabat Wanita, Memperkukuh Negara” (Empowering Women, Strengthening the Nation), underscores the importance of women’s participation and standing in various areas of national development.
She said when women are given fair opportunities to grow and succeed, family institutions become stronger, the economy grows more rapidly, and society becomes more stable and inclusive.
Lim added that the Madani government remains committed to empowering women through the implementation of the National Women Policy 2025–2030, which focuses on strengthening women’s economic empowerment, enhancing women’s leadership and ensuring the safety and well-being of women.
She said the government has also introduced various initiatives to help women prepare for future economic challenges.
Among them is the Wanita MyWira programme, which provides skills training for women in digital technology, artificial intelligence and sectors related to the future economy.
The programme also assists women who wish to return to the workforce after taking a career break, enabling them to re-enter the job market with greater confidence.
Lim also highlighted the government’s focus on developing the care economy, noting that many women shoulder responsibilities such as caring for children, the elderly and family members requiring special attention.
To address this, she said the government is strengthening community support systems and expanding care services so that such responsibilities can be shared more evenly within society.
She added that women are also encouraged to participate in emerging economic sectors, including the creative economy and the Orange Economy (Ekonomi Jingga), which encompass areas such as arts, culture, crafts, fashion and digital content.
“These sectors hold significant potential to generate income and create more inclusive economic opportunities for women,” she said.
Lim also called on women to remain confident in their potential, regardless of their background or life circumstances.
“Every woman possesses extraordinary strength and ability. Women should continue to equip themselves with knowledge, skills, and confidence while prioritising their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
“At the same time, women should support and empower one another while making full use of the initiatives provided by the government,” she said.
She added that efforts to empower women cannot be carried out by the government alone but require cooperation from all parties, including families, employers, educational institutions, civil society organisations, and the wider community.
Lim also expressed her appreciation to the men who have supported and encouraged women in various aspects of life. She handed them flowers, smilingly suggesting they give them to their wives or mothers.
“Their support is crucial in ensuring that efforts to empower women are implemented more effectively,” she added.
She also extended her International Women’s Day greetings to all women, thanking them for their contributions and sacrifices to families, communities and the nation.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat