KUCHING, March 8 2026: In conjunction with the International Women’s Day today, social activist Voon Shiak Ni called on the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) state government to increase the representation of women in leadership and decision-making positions.
She said Sarawak’s future will be brighter when women stand equally at the decision-making table.
“Let us move forward with courage and commitment to ensure that the voices, talents, and leadership of women are fully recognised and empowered,” she added.
She said the state government must take serious note that women have long been the backbone of families, communities, professions, and public service, yet their representation in leadership and decision-making roles remains far below their true potential.
“Empowering women leaders is not merely a matter of equality but it is a matter of building a stronger, more inclusive Sarawak.
“Women bring balanced perspectives, strong community engagement, and compassionate leadership that strengthen governance and social development,” she stressed.
She noted women remain significantly underrepresented in the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (SLA), pointing that there are only five women out the total of 82 state lawmakers.
“And it is also disappointing that the expansion in the number of constituency seats from 71 to 82 was a missed opportunity to improve gender representation as such expansion did not result in a meaningful increase in the number of women elected to the legislative assembly.
“I believe Sarawakians are also hopeful that the state government’s measure to further increase state legislative assembly seats from 82 to 99 will not be another missed opportunity for more women representation,” she said.
Voon also reminded that women contribute immensely to the social, economic and community development of Sarawak, yet their voices remain largely absent in the highest decision-making body of the state.
She stressed the imbalance must be addressed if Sarawak truly aspires to be a progressive and inclusive society.
Voon also called to all political parties to take concrete steps to identify, support and nominate more capable women candidates in future elections so that they can play a stronger role in shaping policies that affect families, communities and the future of Sarawak.
“International Women’s Day should not only be a celebration of women’s achievements, but also a renewed call to ensure women are given fair opportunities to participate in leadership and governance,” she added.
