Tuaran: Non-governmental organisations are encouraged to develop more initiatives aimed at empowering rural women, particularly in the tourism sector.
State Tourism, Culture, and Environment Assistant Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said skills-building projects or courses to enhance women's roles are vital to help enhance the economy and uplift the wellbeing of rural communities.
“In this day and age, there is a universal sentiment of gender equality and empowerment especially in the workplace," said Joniston, according to a statement.
"Women's involvement in leadership can be seen clearly in the community when women actively participate in the community's economic activities."
For instance, he stated that many women become craft entrepreneurs and explore business options in the food-and-beverage industry.
Joniston, who chairs the Sabah Tourism Board, said this at the closing ceremony of a young women empowerment programme at Kampung Mantob, here, Friday.