REPRESENTATIVES from various state agencies participated in the ‘Penang Gender Inclusiveness Policy’ dialogue session organised by the Penang Women’s Development Corporation (PWDC) at the Penang Harmony Centre today.
State executive councillor for Non-Islamic Religious Affairs and Social Development Chong Eng said a total of 35 focal points across the state departments are implementing the gender inclusiveness policy.
It is learned that each focal point consists of officers who will oversee the programme (Penang Gender Inclusiveness Policy).
“I would like to congratulate all the representatives for taking up this new responsibility.
“You are the ones who will be helping the state government to bring transformation concerning gender inclusiveness,” Chong Eng said during the dialogue session.
She also handed over files containing documents to be used as guidelines in carrying out the policy to the representatives present.
To attain success in the implementation of the gender inclusiveness policy, Chong Eng said it would take time.
Meanwhile, PWDC head of gender inclusiveness department Haziqah Nasirah Zol Bahari said the local government’s gender inclusiveness unit was invited to the dialogue session to share their experience regarding the policy.
“The gender inclusiveness policy, which is being implemented at both the local councils, Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP), has now been expanded to the state agencies.
“The Gender Responsive and Participatory Budgeting (GRPB) was used as an instrument to formulate the guidelines for the gender inclusiveness policy.
“A total of 35 state agencies are implementing the policy,” Haziqah said.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat