A national level research will be conducted to monitor in depth the status of women's development in the country including 'Work-life Balance' issues for career women and family affairs related to women's well-being. The outcome of the research will be used as input for the existing plan of action to be reviewed and value added specifically for the upgrading of women-related policies and programmes. The matter was among the contents of a message by the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports in conjunction with the International Women's Day 2019.

According to Yang Berhormat (Retired) Major General Dato Paduka Seri Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin, in line with the status of women as the heart of a family and in supporting national development, the Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam through the Family Institution, Women and Children's Special Committee under the National Social Issues Council has designed the plan of action in particular on issues related to women aligned with the 'Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women' (CEDAW).  The Plan of Action is implemented through a 'Whole of Nation' approach including the grassroots leaders and non-government organisations in ensuring an integrated action from all stakeholders in women's affairs.

Brunei Darussalam's Wawasan 2035 stresses on equal opportunity for women in the workforce and the country's development.  The Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports further explained that women encompass 59 per cent of the total workforce in the job and business sectors and 53 per cent are working as civil servants.  Their active involvement in entrepreneurship continues to receive encouraging response and strong support not only from the government but also the private sectors through equal access to incentive allocation and entrepreneurial support such as financial support scheme, access to info-communication technology, counselling and business training.

Women's welfare and well-being will continue to be given attention to ensure 'vulnerable' women are not excluded but reserved to receive assistance including participating in empowerment programs.  Knowledge on women's rights will also continue to be enhanced through the 'Peer Support Group', talks and dissemination programs.  At the same time, efforts are continued for women's development in order to encourage women to continue to be competitive in life-long education and training, to lift women's contribution in careers and strengthen women's economy through entrepreneurial activities.  The actions and programs which support such initiatives have been carried out and will continued to be monitored and improved.

This year, International Women's Day is celebrated with the theme 'Think Equal, Build Smart, Innovate for Change' with a 'hashtag' "balanceforbetter".  The theme focuses on innovative ways to enhance gender equality and to raise the women's spirit especially in social protection and self-development.

Source:
@BRUDIRECT.COM

by BruDirect

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