James Kon
A research on identifying the current status of women’s development in Brunei Darussalam, including opportunities and challenges faced to ensure that women in the Sultanate can achieve a fair level of development, is being carried out following the signing of an agreement between the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) and the Centre for Strategic and Policy Studies (CSPS) yesterday.
Among the research’s objectives is to complete the collection of national data and identify gaps with international data needs as well as current challenges for women in Brunei. It also aims to advance women’s development to support the preparation of the plan of action on women under the National Council of Social Issues through the formulation of policies or programmes towards more meaningful development for women in the Sultanate, according to the Community Development Department (JAPEM).
The research, which began on April 7, 2022, was carried out via face-to-face interviews with randomly-selected women aged 15 and above. A total of 1,400 households were selected, also involving 280 male respondents as well as 400 respondents, comprising at-risk groups such as monthly welfare assistance recipients, the elderly, people with disabilities and victims of domestic violence.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi bin Haji Mohamad witnessed the signing ceremony at the MCYS building.
Permanent Secretary (Community) at the MCYS Hajah Nor Ashikin binti Haji Johari and CSPS Executive Director Dr Diana Cheong were the signatories of the agreement.
Permanent Secretary (Economy, Trade and Industry) at the Ministry of Finance and Economy Dr Hajah May Fa’ezah binti Haji Ahmad Ariffin and senior MCYS officials were also present.
The CSPS was appointed to conduct the research on April 7, 2022, based on a mandate by the National Council of Social Issues (MKIS) to the Special Committee on Family Institution, Women and Children.
Two stakeholder forums were also conducted on December 8, 2022 and January 18, 2023 involving participants from the government, private sector and non-governmental organisations to obtain views and comments to complement the research.
