Equality for women, progress for all

Women Development Department director-general, Datin Munirah Abdullah Bajanuddin called on women to be always open-minded and take advantage of their resources along with men. She said this is necessary to meet the country's development agenda in various fields. "In line with this year International Women's Day theme Equality for Women is Progress for All, women are expected to be more pro-active in developing themselves with outstanding achievement," she said in an interview with Astro AWANI at her office. She explained, the given equality aspect could bring prosperity to all. "The role of women as a mother in families cannot be denied," she said. "Mothers who are the backbone of a family, be it in shopping; preparing meals, spiritual aspects, babysitting and all comes from a mother," she added. "That is why we hope that through this mother analysis and with God's grance, our family bonding gets stronger," she said in conjunction with the celebration of International Women's Day, celebrated every year on March 8. According to Munirah, various platforms are prepared by government in the economic empowerment of women. "We hope that women out there who handle the households, who are not depended on JKM, JAIS or other institution, should strive to generate their own income with the opportunity given," she said referring to the efforts to aid single mothers. Describing this year's theme and recognition of women’s dignity, the target is expected to be given equal opportunities in the field of economic, social, security and political, as well as protected from violence and discrimination. She added that the International Women's Day launch will be held on March 7 in Putrajaya while a large-scale celebration will take place on March 29 at the Dataran Merdeka.