(From left) Sungai Puyu assemblyman Phee Syn Tze, Tan, Lim, Penang Women’s Development Corporation chief executive officer Ong Bee Leng and Bagan Jermal assemblyman Chee Yeeh Keen promoting the programme. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
Fifth edition of Penang’s empowerment programme targeting 300 participants
THE Penang Women’s Assembly 2024, an event to unearth future women leaders and promote gender equality in politics, is back for the fifth year.
The programme, which is open for registration, is targeting 300 participants.
Penang social development, welfare and non-Islamic religious affairs committee chairman Lim Siew Khim welcomed women of all backgrounds to participate as it was a platform for them to cultivate their interests and build their confidence, especially in leadership and politics.
The effort, she said, would help create gender equality awareness and empower women to take up leadership roles through capacity building and programmes that enhance understanding in good governance, human rights and community participation.
“The programme has contributed to the training and growth of over 600 women over the years.
“Over the past four years, 160 women leaders have joined us in some way or another politically (after attending the programme).
“Being active in politics does not necessarily mean being a state representative. It can mean being an active party member.
“This programme offers participants direct exposure into how the state is run, based on the principle of separation of legislative and executive powers,” Lim said in her speech during a press conference held at Komtar, George Town, to launch the programme.
She said it was unfortunate that based on the World Economic Forum’s Gender Gap Report 2024, Malaysia dropped 12 spots compared to last year and now ranked 114 on the list of 146 countries in the Global Gender Gap Index.
“Our state assembly may have fewer female representatives compared to the previous term. But we are not discouraged by this, and will continue to empower women leaders in local politics,” she said.
“The Penang government is committed to carrying out this programme to heighten women’s involvement in politics.
“I welcome individuals such as community leaders, those from non-governmental organisations, corporate and government sectors, academics, activists, entrepreneurs as well as college and university students to join us,” Lim added.
Seri Delima assemblyman Connie Tan, who is the programme’s task force head, said the initiative was divided into four phases.
“The programme will take place between August and November, culminating with an assembly sitting at the State Legislative Assembly building chaired by Penang Speaker Datuk Law Choo Kiang,” she said.
“The first phase will be a two-day women’s leadership clinic. Participants must attend at least one session to advance through.
“Phase two will be a two-day capacity-building workshop. Participants must attend both days.
“The third phase is a representatives’ preparation workshop where 40 chosen participants will act as backbenchers and present oral and written questions, while the others must prepare the answers.”
Tan said the final phase would be the state assembly sitting set for Nov 30.
Women aged 18 and above are eligible to participate. The registration deadline is Aug 18.
For more information and to register, visit www.sidangwanita.my
