‘Pewaris to empower women in economic, educational aspects’

CYBERJAYA: The Penggerak Wanita Risda (Pewaris) programme launched yesterday will be able to empower women, particularly in economic and educational aspects, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also Minister of Rural and Regional Development, said the programme introduced by the Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (Risda) would transform the mindset of women to be more competitive.

“Pewaris will become a new group that can bring about significant waves. It is the main catalyst for the change that will be implemented,” he said when launching Pewaris here.

Ahmad Zahid also reminded all parties to adopt a culture of teamwork and avoid working in silos in empowering women or addressing other issues.

“When we move as a big team, we need to set aside silo thinking and trivial matters,” he said.

In a press conference after the ceremony, he said Pewaris was a continuation of the Risda liaison officer position, which had been rebranded.

Their role has been expanded to the economic and educational fields, he added.

Meanwhile, regarding the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme involving women, Ahmad Zahid, who is also chairman of the National TVET Council Committee, said the programme was well received and many managed to choose the fields they wished to join.

He also expressed confidence that the target of 150,000 participants by 2027 for the TVET programme specifically for women, known as TVET@ Jelita, could be achieved.