KKDW Dedicated To Elevating Contributions Of Women, Especially In Rural Development

PORT DICKSON, Aug 29 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) is dedicated to elevating the contributions of women, especially in the rural development sector, acknowledging their vital role as essential drivers of the nation’s economy, politics, society, and overall well-being.

Deputy Minister of KKDW, Datuk Rubiah Wang, stated that the government is also committed to empowering women as pillars of national development by actively involving them in the initiatives under the 2025 MADANI Budget. 

She added that the MADANI Economic Report for 2025 will focus on inclusive opportunities to enhance the participation and contributions of women to the nation's economy and development.

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"To maximise women's contributions to the economy, the MADANI Economic framework aims to increase female labour force participation (FLPR) to 60 percent, up from the current 56 percent.

"In realising this goal, the government has introduced various initiatives to support women who wish to re-enter the workforce," she said to reporters at the closing ceremony of the Rural Women's Leadership Seminar, held at the Grand Lexis, Port Dickson today.

Meanwhile, Rubiah said that based on this year’s first quarter Malaysian Demographic Data, women now make up 48 percent of the total population, which equates to 15.9 million people.

She noted that the rural population stands at eight million, with nearly 50 percent of this figure being women.

"This data clearly indicates that women, particularly those in rural areas, possess significant potential that should not be underestimated in shaping the country's future.

"Women hold strong influence and leadership in creating a better and more prosperous future, so efforts to continuously empower women must be pursued," she emphasised.

Rubiah then highlighted that the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme specifically for women, known as TVET Jelita, has received positive feedback and encourages the participation of skilled women, thereby contributing to the workforce.

"Through quality training, the TVET Jelita programme not only enhances technical skills but also prepares women to lead in various sectors, recognising their contributions to national development," she said.

-- BERNAMA