Participants and speakers of the symposium held at Wisma Wanita yesterday.
KOTA KINABALU: Women have the potential and qualifications to be at par with men, said Sabah Women Advisory Council chairperson Datuk Dr Tarsiah TZ Taman.
She reminded that without women, the family institution would not function well, hence the need for programmes that would help raise the dignity and welfare of women in all aspects such as physical, economy, social, politics, health, psychology and spiritual.
Tarsiah also stressed the importance of cooperation between women and men, stating that they need to go hand in hand to strengthen the family institution, organisations and develop the state and the country.
She reminded that women were agents to the development of a harmonious and successful family and organization.
Nevertheless, she also said that women must endeavor to look for their potentials and abilities.
“Women must get to know themselves better and use their skills to raise their own respective socio-economy and status,” she said at the Women and Human Wellbeing Symposium 2018 held at Wisma Wanita yesterday.
She also urged men to fight for the rights of women.
At the same time, she hoped that women would continue being given the opportunities and space so that they can grow and contribute to the development of the state and the country.
Meanwhile, Health and People’s Wellbeing Minister Datuk Stephen Wong said that women were no longer considered as the second line in developing the country.
“The role of women is important and they go hand in hand with men,” he said.
Stephen, who was represented by his assistant minister, Norazlinah Arif also stressed the importance of knowledge in raising ones’ awareness concerning their rights against discrimination.
“I hope the symposium can open the minds of all parties on the issues of women at the present time and the challenges that stop them from moving forward,” he said.
He added that the barriers that kept women from excelling must be eradicated.
Nevertheless, he stressed that the government cannot be the only one acting and called for support from all parties to ensure women were moulded to become the country’s important resource.