Empowering women strengthens families, communities, says minister

KUCHING (Jan 31): Women must be economically empowered to protect their dignity, strengthen families and drive community growth, said Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Nancy Shukri.

Highlighting financial independence as a key factor in building women’s confidence, she noted that women who earn their own income are less vulnerable to being marginalised or looked down upon within their families and communities.

“Once a woman has her own income, she becomes more confident — as a wife, as a mother, as a colleague and as a member of society, she gains autonomy,” she said.

“This is what I want to show the people that women are not ordinary; they are extraordinary,” she said at the launch of the Women Artisan Leadership Programme (WALP) 2026 at the Dayak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) here.

Nancy said empowering women artisans goes beyond income generation, as it also ensures women recognise their value and potential as leaders and contributors to society.

Drawing from her experiences working with communities across Sarawak, she said many women possess strong talents rooted in cultural heritage, but lack exposure, platforms and confidence to commercialise their skills.

“Empowering women is an investment in families, local economies and the future of our nation,” she said, adding that the Sarawak government would continue to provide support, platforms and opportunities for women to grow.

However, she stressed that true success also depends on women themselves having the courage to step forward and seize available opportunities.

Meanwhile, Tokoh Perantis of the Women Artisan Leadership Programme, Nur Rahmah Ranong Abdullah, said WALP 2026 was designed with a clear vision to strengthen women’s leadership, decision-making confidence and global outlook.

Through the programme, she said participants will be exposed to key components such as leadership development, cultural storytelling, digital platforms, business documentation and market assessment.

“These are essential tools to ensure traditional businesses remain relevant, sustainable and competitive in an evolving landscape,” she said.

“We believe that when women’s leadership is strengthened, it influences economic decision-making. It strengthens families, safeguards cultural heritage and builds thriving communities.

“The Women Artisan Leadership Programme is not just a programme — it is an investment in culture and the future,” she added.

Also present were director-general of the Department of Women Development Hanani Sapit and member of the Women’s Council, Department of Women Development Datu Dr Rashidah Bolhassan.