The government has always emphasised on women's significant role when formulating the country's policies, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

Numerous endeavours, he pointed out, had been initiated to empower women both in the corporate and social sectors.

"We want to produce many more 'heroines' who are looked up to in their respective fields.

"I am confident that women could realise their full potential through the opportunities offered by the government, God willing," he said in his latest blog entry najibrazak.com, with the heading, 'Kehebatan Tokoh-Tokoh Wanita Dalam Sejarah' (The greatness of women in history) .

He noted that the role of women was not merely as mother and wife but has a major impact on the development of a society or nation.

"As the Malay saying goes, 'Tangan yang menghayun buaian mampu menggoncang dunia' (The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world)," he said.

Najib cited Saidatina Siti Khadijah RHA who not only was a very successful businesswoman looked upon as a role model for her vast contribution but the main source of inspiration for Rasulullah SAW (Prophet Muhammad).

"We also acknowledge the wisdom of Saidatina 'Aishah RHA as an educator, and the courage of Nusayba binti Ka'ab al-Ansariyah, who defended Rasulullah SAW in the Battle of Uhud," he said.