Izah Azahari
When women are empowered, they contribute significantly to the development of their families, communities and the nation at large, said European Union-Brunei Darussalam Partnership Facility Lead Coordinator Khairunnisa binti Haji Ash’ari.
She made these remarks at the opening ceremony of a two-day policy outreach and exchange Seminar on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment held at Radisson Hotel in the capital yesterday.
The event organised by the European Union (EU)-Brunei Darussalam Partnership Facility was attended by Permanent Secretary (Community) at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Hajah Nor Ashikin binti Haji Johari as guest of honour who delivered a keynote address on “Women’s Development in Brunei Darussalam”.
Khairunnisa also noted the progress happening in various sectors that were traditionally dominated by men, need to be acknowledged and supported in spite of challenges women face such as sexual harassment, domestic violence and struggles to obtain affordable and accessible day-care for their children.
She explained that the seminar aims to raise awareness and inspire action towards achieving gender equality and women’s empowerment in Brunei.
“We believe that by working together, we can create a more inclusive and equitable society where everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential,” she said.
The opening ceremony also saw a keynote speech by Ambassador of the European Union to Indonesia and Ambassador-Designate to Brunei Darussalam Vincent Piket who is on a working visit to Bandar Seri Begawan from March 1 to 3.
He highlighted that numerous studies have demonstrated that when more women participate in public decision-making, this would lead to more policies benefitting women, children, families and the community.
