By Mu Vitet

KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor’s initiatives to improve women’s economic standing and welfare have been truly felt on the ground.

Kapayan Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Raktat) Women’s Vice Chief, Rizawati Fiona Heng, said the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Development Plan introduced by the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) Government places women’s empowerment as a key pillar of inclusive development.

“Our government under the leadership of Datuk Seri Hajiji recognises the contribution of women, who make up nearly half of Sabah’s population.

“We are recognised as a strategic asset capable of contributing to the state’s progress through economic, social, and leadership roles,” said Rizawati.

She said the government is truly focused on women’s development, with significant allocations provided under the State Budget.

These include RM9.73 million for the Department of Women’s Affairs Sabah (JHEWA) to implement women’s development programmes; RM11.6 million for Yayasan Usaha Maju (YUM) to support women entrepreneurs and provide access to micro-loans; and RM4.2 million (2023) specifically for women’s entrepreneurship programmes, including support for single mothers and B40 groups.

Other allocations include RM6.36 million (2024) for JHEWA and RM700,000 for the Sabah Women’s Advisory Council (MPWS); RM554,540 (2021–2023) for the Creating Millionaires Among Young Women (CreaM@YWE) Project; and RM3.43 million (2022–2024) for the Sabah Women Leadership Academy.

In terms of leadership, training, and entrepreneurship, she said the focus has been on assisting the B40 group and single mothers.

“My hope is that women in Sabah will continue to be recognised as key partners in shaping the state’s future.

“That said, I also see women’s involvement in politics as equally important. It’s not just about training we must also participate in policymaking.

“Otherwise, if we are not among the policymakers, how can our voices truly be heard?” Rizawati said.

“In Kapayan, I’ve seen significant contributions aligning with the SMJ’s plans for women’s empowerment, especially in entrepreneurship,” she added.