M'SIAN GOVT WILL COUNTER MISCONCEPTION THAT ISLAM DISCOURAGES WOMEN FROM BECOMING LEADERS

KUALA LUMPUR, April 29 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian government has always been
committed in giving priority to women leadership and empowerment programmes to
counter the negative perception that Islam discourages women from becoming
leaders.

Women, Family and Community Development Minister Shahrizat Abdul Jalil said
such a perception was inaccurate because Islam honoured women greatly and
empowered them to be successful both in this world and the hereafter.

"Many quarters have tried to use religion to break a woman's spirit, so do
not let anyone break our spirit as women," she told reporters after opening a
seminar entitled Women Leadership from Islamic Perspective here Friday.

She said Islam did not put a limit on women, but instead, had encouraged
those with ability and qualifications to take on appropriate roles.

"Sometimes, culture and negative attitude-based interpretations, whether
among the women themselves or among the men, become the main obstacles in women
development," she said.

Shahrizat said the ministry, through its agency, NAM Institute for the
Empowerment of Women (NIEW), would continue to go to the ground to boost the
spirit of women to be strong in facing challenges.

"They need to have great level of confidence and the belief that none could
stop them if they have the ability to succeed. If they are weak, it would affect
the nation's development," she said.

A total of 300 government officers, members of non-governmental
organisations, politicians and academicians took part in the one-day seminar
organised by NIEW and the Protection and Enhancement of Muslim Women
Secretariat.