Women Empowerment Needs To Extend Beyond Formal Sector - Dr Wan Azizah

KUALA LUMPUR, July 28 (Bernama) -- The role of women in the informal sector, especially housewives and family caregivers, needs to be recognised and appreciated commensurate with their contributions to society and country, said Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, wife of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Dr Wan Azizah said the women's policies formulated by the government such as the National Policy on Women (DWN) and Women's Development Action Plan (PTPW) 2025-2030 not only emphasise the importance of empowering women, but also increase public awareness of the major role played by this group in the country's progress.

The policies are important to develop women in addition to raising their image and appreciating their contributions to the country. These policies reflect the government's commitment towards a better future for women, especially in contributing to the national development process," she said.

Dr Wan Azizah said this at a press conference after officiating the DWN-PTPW 2025-2030 Special Walkabout at the Parliament building here today.

The event themed 'Women's Dignity, Strengthening the Nation' was also attended by Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching, and Dewan Rakyat Deputy Speaker Alice Lau Kiong Yieng.

Meanwhile, at the same press conference, Nancy suggested that unpaid care work be valued equally with paid work, especially for women from vulnerable groups who really need support.

"We need to change it to something equivalent to paid care work," she said.

She also emphasised the need for a whole-of-government approach to empower women and ensure a balance in the workload borne by this group.

Nancy added that support systems also need to be strengthened for working women, including the provision of childcare facilities at work and support from family members.

-- BERNAMA