KUCHING: The PENDAYA Programme, scheduled for 12 and 13 January at the Dayak Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI), serves as a prime example of the Women’s Leadership Apprenticeship Programme (PERANTIS) being tailored to the specific context and needs of women in Sarawak, particularly Dayak women entrepreneurs.

Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, Dato Sri Nancy Shukri, stated that the two-day leadership workshop will involve 50 Dayak women entrepreneurs, including both new and experienced participants.

The curriculum focuses on developing leadership skills, strategic decision-making, effective communication, mentoring, and business networking.

She noted that Sarawakian women possess immense potential as community leaders, local economic drivers, and guardians of cultural heritage when provided with the right opportunities, training, and support.

"With the correct exposure, training, and support, Sarawakian women are capable of playing vital roles in economic, social, and cultural development, showcasing their talent and creativity on both local and international stages. Programmes like PENDAYA and PERANTIS are efforts to build confidence, leadership, and the capability of women to move in tandem with technological changes and the new economy," she said during the PENDAYA press conference on Saturday.

The event was organised by the Women’s Empowerment and Sustainability Network Association (WESNA) Kuching and the DCCI.

Dato Sri Nancy further explained that PERANTIS is an initiative by her ministry, through the Department for Women’s Development (JPW), designed to cultivate women's leadership across various sectors.

By 2025, the programme has implemented 100 initiatives across the country, involving 4,770 women from diverse backgrounds.

Within Sarawak, 11 programmes have been conducted involving 640 participants, reflecting the government's commitment to inclusive and balanced leadership development.

Dato Sri Nancy expressed her hope that Sarawakian women would seize these opportunities to emerge as leaders and pioneers in the digital economy.

She emphasised that the primary challenge is not a lack of talent, but rather a lack of opportunity.

The press conference was also attended by DCCI President, Dato Allan Keripin Nangkai, Deputy Chief of the Women’s Wing of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Sarawak and member of the National Council of Women's Organisations Malaysia, Dato' Angelina Celestine Ujang, DCCI Special Advisor, Dato Sri Joseph Salang Gandum, DCCI Manager and President of WESNA Kuching, Dr Carolina Sandra Giang, and Advisor to the Sarawak Federation of Women's Institutes (PPWS), Datu Dr Rashidah Bolhassan. -UKASnews