Redonah: Give women more opportunities

Daily Express

4 days ago

Published on: Sunday, July 27, 2025
Published on: Sun, Jul 27, 2025
By: Noor Zafira Zayn Text Size: 'Give us the space to shape policies, make decisions and work together to take Sabah to greater heights," said Redonah. PARTI Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) Women's Chief Datuk Redonah Bahanda called for more opportunities for women to be fielded as candidates, appointed senators and to lead government-linked companies (GLCs). 'I urge that the current six female assemblypersons, along with the one Nominated Assembly member, not only be retained but that the number of female candidates be increased in the coming 17th state election. 'The Pintasan Assemblyman, Datuk Fairuz Rendaan, should also be retained.' Speaking at the opening of the Gagasan Rakyat Sabah 2025 Conference, Saturday, she said the State Government's continued initiatives to enhance women's participation through various incentives demonstrated Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor's commitment to women's empowerment. 'Last year's conference saw the initiatives realised in the Sabah 2025 Budget, with an allocation of over RM21 million channelled through the Women's Affairs Department (Jhewa), Yayasan Usaha Maju Sabah Credit and the Institute for Development Studies (IDS) to empower women in economic and social fields,' she said. Redonah added that the Gagasan Rakyat Women's Wing had been consistently active through the Salam Sayang outreach programme, aimed at maintaining continuous engagement with voters in every constituency. 'From the party's inception, the women's wing has been on the ground reaching out to all segments of society, alongside the youth wing, which has been systematically and swiftly implementing various programmes, and the Beliawanis who have also been continuously engaging with young women, including through initiatives involving students at higher learning institutions. 'Women are not just vote canvassers or crowd fillers at events, youths are not merely cheerleaders and flag bearers and Beliawanis are not simply decorative figures. 'We all contribute our energy and ideas alongside the leaders we admire, the Chief Minister as Party President and the Deputy President,' she said. Redonah added that Sabah's future depended on the leadership and direction being set today. 'Give us the space to shape policies, make decisions and work together to take Sabah to greater heights. 'The future cannot be built by waiting, it must begin now. 'I also encourage everyone to make full use of social media to promote and amplify the party's cause.' * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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