Tunku Azizah calls on women to continue fighting for greater representation in leadership roles

By Adib Povera, Qistina Sallehuddin – August 25, 2022 @ 1:54pm

Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah has called on women leaders to continue with their pursuit of having greater representation in the country’s decision-making process. – BERNAMA pic

KUALA LUMPUR: Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah has called on women leaders to continue with their pursuit of having greater representation in the country’s decision-making process.

In her speech at the 60th Women’s Day Celebration organised by the National Council Of Women’s Organisations (NCWO) here today, Tunku Azizah said women represented 50 per cent of total voters around the world.

The percentage, she said, was still low.

“Therefore, this is where and why you should demand (for greater women representation in the country’s decision-making and policy formulation),” said Tunku Azizah.

Present were Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Rina Harun as well as Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.

Also in attendance was NCWO president Professor Emerita Tan Sri Dr Sharifah Hapsah Syed Hasan Shahabudin.

Apart from Rina and Nancy, other women members of Parliament who hold full ministerial positions are National Unity Minister Datuk Halimah Sadique and Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin.

Tunku Azizah reminded everyone that women’s voices were to be reckoned with, and that women have played an instrumental role in the development of the nation.

The country, said Tunku Azizah, should not stop at only empowering women, but also listen to the voices of women who were championing their rights.

She also spoke on how women often played the peacemaker role.

“From the home to the country, women can play their role in restoring peace whenever there is kacau bilau (disorder),” said Tunku Azizah.