More than 30 young women leaders from key political parties and civil society groups took part in the Gender and Political Empowerment programme, launched through Zoom by the Sabah Women’s Action-Resource Group (Sawo).

Sawo founder and president Winnie Yee said it “didn’t make sense” that more women were not in decision-making roles at the state level despite them being leaders in their families and communities.

“Why are we not sitting at the table where decisions are made, decisions that are going to impact our lives and the lives of our children and the community?” she asked during the launch.

She said women are under-represented, making up less than 10% of the number in the state assembly, with few representatives in the state Cabinet.

“We had to wait 20 years for the Domestic Violence Act to come into force. And we are still waiting for the Sexual Harassment Act. I hope to see it in my lifetime.

“If we are not taking our place at the table where decisions are made, don’t expect others to do it for us,” she said.

Five modules will be highlighted in the programme, including gender awareness, strategic communication and women’s empowerment in politics.

The modules will run from June up to September.