Women told to participate in economic empowerment programmes

TELUK INTAN: The Prime Minister's wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor has called for women in the country to be actively involved in the various initiatives laid out by the government to empower the women's economy.
Rosmah, who is President of the Charity and Welfare Body of Wives of Ministers and Deputy Ministers (Bakti), said that from a micro perspective, entrepreneurial activities, particularly among women, would be able to serve as a means to increase household income.
"As such, Bakti has always been supportive of the government's efforts in helping women to venture into business and intensify their entrepreneurial activities," she said in her speech at the Bakti Women Care programme, here today.
Also present were Deputy Prime Minister's wife, Datin Seri Hamidah Khamis; Perak Mentri Besar's wife, Datin Seri Saripah Zulkifli; Teluk Intan Member of Parliament Datuk Seri Mah Siew Keong; and Federal Agriculture Marketing Authority (Fama) chairman Tan Sri Badruddin Amiruddin.
Rosmah said the implementation of a business site for women, known as the 'Ladies Lane', in conjunction with the Bantu Nita Perak programme, impressed her.
She said women entrepreneurs were allowed to carry out their business at the Ladies Lane once a week on weekends, and they were also given business capital.
"I was made to understand that this programme will be extended to all parliamentary constituencies in Perak in stages and will soon arrive in Teluk Intan. So, let's grab this opportunity," she said.
Rosmah said efforts were also made by the Perak Women Development Department to empower the women's economy with the implementation of the Development of Women Entrepreneurs Initiatives or DeWI Programme, where business resources such as capital, machines and raw materials were provided.
"In addition, there is also 'Baazar Nita' where women traders are given a platform to market their products," she said.
Meanwhile, Rosmah also called on women entrepreneurs to master the use of digital technology as those skills could help boost their personal development and career.
"There have been an increasing number of online businesses and one-stop-centre business portals on the Internet. The mastery of latest technology is an important criterion ensure the women will remain competitive in this digital age," she said.
On the programme today, Rosmah said Bakti had brought Fama to promote programmes; provide entrepreneurial incentive packages, loan assistance and advisory services; as well as a discussion on empowering women's economy through digital entrepreneurial activities, namely the Agrobazaar Online.
"Agrobaazar Online is the best e-commerce platform to turn to as it gathers manufacturers, suppliers and consumers in a more competitive marketing platform … It is also able to tap ínto international markets," she said.
Rosmah also presented a nursary of RM600 each to 100 students from six parliamentary constituencies in the state at the event. — Bernama