THE Penang government is committed to empowering women and promoting gender inclusiveness in the state.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said this is proven with the many initiatives and assistance provided by the state government to help them over the years.
“As an example, during the various lockdowns caused by the Covid-19 pandemic in the last two years, we have provided many types of assistance to single mothers, including giving food baskets and also financial aid to help them sustain their life.
“We are also aiding B40 women to become entrepreneurs through many programmes conducted by the state agency through the Penang Women’s Development Corporation (PWDC).
“We train them so that they can earn a living by themselves and help their families and children.
“We understand that during the pandemic, many of them are affected and these are among the initiatives that we came up to help them. And we are continuing the efforts.
“On behalf of the state government, I would like to thank various non-governmental organisations (NGOs) which stepped forward and providing their support,” Chow told a press conference at the Chowrasta Market today after distributing flowers to women traders and market-goers.
Chow and his entourage were there to distribute flowers to them in conjunction with the International Women’s Day celebration.
International Women’s Day is celebrated globally on March 8 every year.
Chow said the distribution of flowers has started in 2000.
“We have been doing this since the year 2000 as a symbolic gesture to show that we appreciate the contributions of women in the state.
“It is also a campaign to raise awareness of the importance of gender parity,” he said.
Also present were Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng and Penang Island City Council (MBPP) councillor Wong Yuee Harng.
Chow added that tomorrow (March 8) would also mark the 15 years of Pakatan Harapan (or previously known as Pakatan Rakyat) administration in Penang.
“It was an up and down journey for the PH coalition since we received a mandate by the people to govern Penang in March 2008. And we hope we will continue to serve the people of Penang,” he added.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud
Video by Chan Kok Kuan