Talent Corporation Malaysia (TalentCorp) launched its Women Empowerment Month (WEM) 2023 under the theme, “Be Strong, Be Tenacious, Be Kind” in conjunction with International Women’s Day at which Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow called for all stakeholders to address stereotypical views of gender-based roles and traditional responsibilities expected of women.
“In this regard, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion practices can increase opportunities for women to continue working while also encouraging men to equally shoulder household and family responsibilities,” he said.
Throughout the month, WEM 2023 will offer a range of programmes tailored to meet the needs of women from diverse backgrounds, including underprivileged women, emerging talents, professionals, and aspiring leaders.
In his speech, Minister of Human Resources V. Sivakumar said that the recent amendments to the Employment Act (1955) with the introduction of reduced working hours, available of flexible work arrangements, and extended maternity and paternity leave are aimed at breaking down barriers to women’s participation in economic, as well as enable a more balanced life for Malaysia’s workforce.
“This is in line with the principle of Malaysia MADANI which emphasises the values of forming the trust of the people through a fair and holistic policy,” he said.
Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Aiman Athirah Sabu, at the vent, said TalentCorp’s efforts in coordinating women empowerment efforts across ministries, agencies and industries were applauded.
“This effort is in line with the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development’s National Women’s Policy and Women’s Development Action Plan to support gender equality, and a balanced and sustainable national development,” she said.
The WEM 2023 launch event also saw the recognition of Malaysian employers with leading childcare centre practices, and the celebration of Malaysian talents who have made significant impact to raise women’s empowerment efforts.
The companies which have launched childcare centres are Micron Memory Sdn Bhd in Batu Kawan, Penang; and United Overseas Bank (Malaysia) Berhad in the Klang Valley.
The two other companies which will launch childcare centres this year are Asia Pacific University Of Technology & Innovation and Mahwengkwai & Associates Corporate Services Sdn Bhd both in the Klang Valley.
The inaugural Anugerah Citra Madani was also presented to 14 recipients, including: Maryam Khairul Anuar, a ten-year-old artist with Down Syndrome who raised funds to aid children that require surgery at the National Heart Institute. Maryam recently completed a successful art exhibition and sales that recorded RM 64,765.00 of funds and to Ili Nadiah Zulfakar, who co-founded a programme to empower Orang Asli to enrich discussions on climate through creative means.
Rita Santaran, a single mother to four children from Perak who helped form a union to defend hers and her colleagues’ rights during the pandemic, alos reived the award.
Through WEM 2023, TalentCorp urges all Malaysia MADANI citizens to join hands and make a meaningful contribution towards achieving equality collectively. For more information on WEM 2023 activities, please visit www.talentcorp.com.my/wem2023.
