By Suhaila Shahrul Annuar
GOMBAK, March 17 — The state government is reinforcing its commitment to women's economic empowerment through various family-friendly policies and initiatives, said state executive councillor for women empowerment and social welfare Anfaal Saari.
She cited the Selangor Women's Policy and Action Plan 2024-2026 as an example, which promotes flexible work arrangements and incentives for women returning to the workforce, ensuring they can continue pursuing their aspirations without unnecessary barriers.
“The female labour force participation rate remains low at 56.2 per cent, about 25 per cent lower than that of men, and it has not changed significantly over the past few years.
“This reflects a significant gender gap in economic empowerment, primarily due to the unequal distribution of household responsibilities.
“When a mother gives birth, she often faces a ‘motherhood penalty’, where she is expected to slow down or even leave the workforce entirely to care for her child,” Anfaal said during the Selangor-level International Women's Day celebration at the Ideal Convention Centre Selayang yesterday, which saw around 500 participants.
The state, via Wanita Berdaya Selangor, has introduced various programmes to enhance women's capacity and enable them to generate income.
“For example, Pusat Wanita Berdaya (PWB) serves as a capacity-building initiative while fostering a sense of community among women.
“This allows them to earn an income, support their families’ economic resilience, and enhance their independence,” she said.
Expanding on this, Anfaal said the Usawanita Young Women Entrepreneurs Digital Media incentive programme, now in its second cohort, encourages women to venture into digital entrepreneurship, providing them with sustainable and effective income opportunities.
At the same event, the councillor presented Bakul Rahmah aid to 255 single mothers and handed out festive cash assistance to orphans and special needs children during the event.
[caption id="attachment_393694" align="aligncenter" width="1172"]
State executive councillor for women's empowerment and social welfare Anfaal Saari (second from right) presents Hari Raya Aidilfitri contributions to recipients during the Selangor-level International Women’s Day celebration and fast-breaking with single mothers, orphans, and asnaf programme at the Ideal Convention Centre in Selayang, on March 16, 2025. — Picture by FIKRI YUSOF/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
