THE Penang government has pledged to continue its efforts in empowering women in the workforce.
State executive councillor for Women & Family Development, Gender Inclusiveness & Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Chong Eng said currently there are about 30% women employees in the middle management of the state government agencies and departments.
“This is in line with the state’s mission to achieve 40:40:20 ratio in the state gender inclusiveness policy by 2030.
“The ratio comprises 40% women, 40% men and 20% both men and women.
“Although it just at 30% for now, we believe that more needs to be done to change the negative perception dividing the people based on certain segments.
“At the same time, we urge all the heads in every state department and government agency to be involved and give priorities to both gender in their policy making, project planning and programmes to promote gender inclusiveness.
“If we manage to do this, then I believe we can achieve 40:40:20 ratio by 2030 and make Penang as an example and inspiration to other states in reducing the gender gap,” Chong Eng said in her speech before officiating the ‘Beyond Women Empowerment’ (BeWe) programme at 1st Avenue Mall in Georgetown yesterday (March 8).
BeWe programme was held in conjunction with the International Women’s Day (IWD).
Speaking about the programme, Chong Eng said it aimed to establish a foundation and provide the initial boost for women to step out of their comfort zone in building confidence and character.
“The event also serves to bring out the positive values which benefit the women of all races and religion in the country,” she said.
The one-day programme also featured various exciting activities such as Zumba session, forum talks about women empowerment, ‘dance for a cause’ (to stop violence against women), beauty pageant and many more.
Story and pix by Riadz Akmal