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SOOK: Gender mainstreaming in financing can no longer be regarded solely as the responsibility of women. Instead, it requires comprehensive involvement from all levels of society, including grassroots leaders, civil servants, and local administrators.

Sabah’s Assistant Minister of Community Development and People’s Wellbeing, Datuk Flovia Ng, said inclusive and balanced development cannot be achieved if there are still groups excluded due to differences in gender, geographical location, or socioeconomic background.

“Being too neutral and not considering what men and women really need can actually cause unfairness without meaning to,” she said at the recent Gender Awareness Program in the rural area of Sook, held at Kampung Pinipi Hall.

The program was organised by the Sabah Department of Women’s Affairs (Jhewa) in collaboration with the Sook District Office and several other government agencies as an initiative to strengthen gender awareness at the rural community level.

According to Flovia, programs of this nature are crucial in providing rural women with opportunities to express their views and actively participate in community development processes.

“When women’s voices are heard, it doesn’t just lead to fairer policies, it can also boost the social and economic health of the entire community. Sabah will only truly develop when all its citizens, regardless of gender, are able to enjoy equal opportunities and have their contributions recognized at all levels,” she said.

The organisation of this program is part of the state government’s ongoing efforts to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 5, which focuses on gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.