By Zareef Muzammil
SHAH ALAM, July 12 — Continuing education is important to strengthening women so they can help in developing the state, said the Menteri Besar's political secretary Juwairiya Zulkifli.
She said the effort to do so is in line with the implementation of the Selangor Women's Policy, particularly the two focus points which are economy and livelihood.
"Continued education emphasizes gaining knowledge, changing attitudes and adding skills through experience, training, as well as formal and informal discussions.
"As such, women need to be empowered with the knowledge, skills and self-confidence when it concerns their contributions to the development of Selangor," Juwairiya said when delivering Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari's speech on his behalf earlier today.
The speech was read out during the presentation of the Wanita Berdaya Selangor Scholarship for Cohort Two, at the Shah Alam Convention Center.
Juwairiya, who is also Bukit Melawati state assemblyman, said sustainable development is only achievable if women are given equal opportunities as men.
She added it is clear that women are responsible in ensuring every development plan can be implemented, thus helping both the individual and state economy, especially as Malaysia transitions to the endemic phase.
"Based on the National Statistics Department's 2020 census, the female labour force participation rate in Selangor stands at 69.6 per cent, compared to 81.8 per cent of men.
"This indicates that women play an important role in developing the state economy. Therefore, this effort (the Selangor women's scholarship) will hopefully increase their education and skill levels," Juwairiya said.
