(From right to left): Rosmawati, Mohd Razali, Zainuddin, Julita, Hajiji, Juliah, Rina, Siti Yuslaini and Haslina giving a thumbs up at the programme
KOTA KINABALU: Women’s empowerment in Sabah cannot be viewed solely from an economic perspective, but must also encompass rights, protection, leadership and wellbeing.
Sabah Minister of Women, Health and People’s Wellbeing, Datuk Julita Majungki, said the progress of women in Sabah can be seen in the fact that 42.22 percent of women now hold decision-making positions, particularly in technical and professional roles.
“This figure shows that women are no longer merely beneficiaries, but are increasingly playing a role in decision-making and contributing to the development of the state.
“However, women’s empowerment does not stop there. We must also ensure that they know their rights, receive protection and have access to support when facing challenges,” she said.
She said this when delivering her speech at the 2026 Sabah-level Women’s Day Celebration on September 4, which was also officiated by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
Also present were the Chief Minister’s wife, Datuk Juliah Salag; Assistant Minister of the Sabah Ministry of Women, Health and People’s Wellbeing (KWKKR), Datuk Rina Jainal; Sabah Federal Secretary, Datuk Mohd Razali Wahab; Sabah State Secretary (SKN), Datuk Zainuddin Aman; Sabah SKN’s wife, Datin Siti Yuslaini Mohd Samsuri; Sabah Women’s Advisory Council (MPWS) Chairwoman, Datuk Rosmawati Lasuki; and Sabah Women’s Affairs Department (JHEWA) Director, Haslina Ismail.
Julita said the Women’s Legal Aid Centre (PBGW) had handled 889 cases from 2018 to July 2026, while 1,237 clients had received services involving 1,625 cases.
“For me, an empowered woman is one who knows her rights, has confidence in her abilities and knows that she does not have to face a problem alone,” she said.
Julita said women’s leadership development was also strengthened through the Sabah Women’s Leadership Academy (AKWAN), which has involved 1,215 participants across three cohorts, with 379 participants successfully receiving certification.
At the same time, she said JHEWA continues to expand skills development and entrepreneurship opportunities, benefiting 6,952 women across Sabah from 2022 to 2026.
She said the comprehensive approach was also implemented through the Sabah Gender Focal Point (SGFP), with nearly 50 certified change agents developed up to Cohort 3 to ensure gender perspectives are taken into account in the planning and delivery of government services.
“All these efforts are interconnected. When we open up economic opportunities, strengthen leadership, raise awareness of rights and provide protection, we are building women who are more confident, resilient and capable of determining their own futures,” she said.
Julita said women’s empowerment requires cooperation between the government, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), the private sector and communities to ensure that no woman is left behind.
“Women’s empowerment is not just about what we give them, but about the space we create so that they can stand strong on their own,” she said.
