By Sheeda Fathil
SHAH ALAM, May 28 — More than 300 individuals attended the Women's Leadership Academy (AKW) Alumni Gathering and Networking Programme at the Ideal Convention Centre (IDCC) here today.
State executive councillor for women empowerment and family Dr Siti Mariah Mahmud said of the total, 115 are new students for the third intake of the AKW programme.
“We hope the new and old students can connect and create social networking among themselves to further strengthen their skills in line with AKW's vision to produce more women leaders.
“Most of the alumni already have their own NGO (non-governmental organisation) and are actively involved in the field. I hope they can inspire the new students," she said when met after officiating the ceremony.
Dr Siti Mariah said AKW students undergo an intensive learning and mentorship training process for 13 months which involves three components of the programme in the form of lectures, mentors and fieldwork.
"Outcomes from the learning programme will instil AKW students with leadership values, gender understanding, soft skills, organisational skills and political leadership," she said.
Commenting on the 30 per cent participation of women at decision-making levels, she said the state government was committed to that goal and the AKW programme was among the initiatives to produce future women leaders.
