Wasatiyyah Empowers Capabilities of Women in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 21 (Bernama) -- The path of wasatiyyah as adopted by Malaysia has empowered women of all ethnicity, religion and culture to achieve excellence in every sector, said Prime Minister's wife Rosmah Mansor (centre). More importantly, she said the approach has also brought brighter prospects for tapping women's talent in leadership positions to ensure the country's growth and progress. "It is acknowledge that progress for women in a variety of fields throughout Islamic history has been possible when Muslim societies stay true as úmmatan wasatan’ or community of the middle way,” she said in her keynote address at the Muslim World Rania Award 2017 here Wednesday night. Rosmah said, in Malaysia, the women’s leadership momentum has been sustained through various strategies and that the government has been sensitive and responsive to the voices of women. "The government has consistently worked with the non-governmental organisations (NGOs), civil society and the private sector and such collaboration has resulted in new or improved policies, laws and programmes to advance gender equality and to reach target groups that are less accessible to government,” she said. Rosmah in her speech also stressed that female leadership is not charity, but a necessity to steer Muslim societies through the current situation of high uncertainty and wrenching change. “A woman leader is also a daughter, wife and mother and it is through their consistent long term leadership practices in the home that the children will learn skills and abilities beyond the norm that would sustain their performance as future leaders. "This exemplary leadership in the home is also a virtue for leadership in public life,”she added. The Muslim World Rania Award which was held in conjunction with the 8th Muslim World Business and Investment Zone Exhibition and Conference is accorded to acknowledge distinguished women who have contributed significantly to the development of the Islamic world. The award night saw five local women being awarded for their achievements in their respective fields namely Hyrax Oil Sdn Bhd Group managing director Hazimah Zainuddin, International Islamic University Malaysia rector Prof Dr Zaleha Kamarudin, Prime Minister's Department senior consultant Prof Dr Sharifah Hapsah Syed Hasan Shahabudin, A&W chairman Jamelah Abu Bakar and Maybank Berhad chairman Mohaiyani Shamsudin. The award was also accorded to managing director of Sadid Bar International Transportation Co. from Iran, Seyedah Fatemeh Moghimi and Turkish journalist Sibel Eraslan. (photoBERNAMA). -- BERNAMA