KUALA LUMPUR: A strong reading culture among women is vital to nation-building, says Fadhlina Sidek (pic).
The Education Minister said reading was important in cultivating an informed and knowledgeable society, with women playing an important role in shaping families, communities and the nation.
“When we talk about women reading, it is not merely about the act of reading.
“More importantly, reading is part of the agenda of building the nation,” she said when launching the first session of the Kelab Perempuan Membaca (Women Reading Club), themed Women and the Nation, here yesterday.
She said reading should begin at a young age, while older generations must maintain the discipline and culture so that it becomes part of a cross-generational ecosystem.
“Reading is not only about having the discipline to read every day. It must be progressive. We must also challenge ourselves to read outside our comfort zone,” she added.
Fadhlina also highlighted books on Malaysian women leaders, including Ibu Melayu Mengelilingi Dunia dari Rumah ke London on Tan Sri Aishah Ghani and The Rapid Fire featuring Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz, saying more books documenting Malaysian women and their contributions were needed.
The club is part of an initiative under Perbadanan Kota Buku (Kota Buku), which was officially recognised as Malaysia’s largest reading club.
It will hold monthly reading sessions until July next year, contributing to the wider Gerakan Membaca Negara, which aims to strengthen the culture of reading and knowledge.
