PUTRAJAYA: The 'Wanita Bangkit Berniaga' (WBB) programme, introduced by the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry in collaboration with RichWorks International Sdn Bhd, has attracted almost 40,000 entries compared to the initial target of 2,000 participants.

Its minister, Datuk Seri Rina Mohd Harun said that, under the initiative, participants are not only taught business techniques but also benefit from knowledge sharing by successful entrepreneurs that could be applied in their daily lives.

She added that these participants, who not only explored income opportunities through business, would also be able to assist other women who faced challenges and pressures in life.

"When I was given the Women, Family and Community Development Minister portfolio, I went to the ground, I saw many women who were badly affected, (in fact) some had lost the will to continue living.

"We do not want the many women who participate in the WBB to only do business, but to support one another so that they do not feel like they are all alone," she said on the WBB Programme held virtually today.

Rina said the idea to create the WBB programme came about after witnessing the hardship faced by her mother, who diligently continued with her business and raised six children following her separation from their father.

She added that her mother, Taiyibah Rusli, earned a living working as a cook in a shop selling chicken satay.

"I am glad that my mother had a strong spirit and was determined. If she had given up then, I doubt I would be here today. I learned about rising to face challenges from my mother," she said.

In the meantime, Rina said the WBB initiative was a part of the Wanita Bangkit programme that focused not only on business but also involved women seeking job opportunities and rising to the occasion from the emotional aspect.

Rina said the WBB initiative was created to help, specifically, women affected by the COVID-19 pandemic to generate income by doing business.

"With more than 30 millionaire entrepreneurs sharing their success stories in this programme, it will surely inspire the participants because before they became successful, they too were single mothers or housewives saddled with debts and limited finances," she said.

-- BERNAMA