BELAGA – Women across Sarawak are being strongly encouraged to harness the potential of the digital economy as a means to elevate their socio-economic status and contribute more significantly to household income.
The call to action was issued by Dato Sri Doris Sophia Brodi, the Member of Parliament for Sri Aman and chief of the Progressive Democratic Party (PRS) Women’s Wing, during a recent community engagement programme in the interior district of Belaga.
Speaking at the ‘Let’s Get Ready’ Tour Programme 2026 held at Uma Bakah in Sungai Asap on Tuesday, Dato Sri Doris emphasised the critical importance of upskilling. She urged women to equip themselves with modern knowledge, technical skills, and digital literacy.
According to her, these tools are essential not only for personal development but also for raising the overall financial well-being of their families.
The parliamentarian highlighted that Sarawak’s current development strategy is built upon four key pillars: economy, education, energy, and landscape.
This holistic approach has created a fertile ground for women to participate actively in various sectors, particularly in cottage industries and the burgeoning digital marketplace.
By aligning their efforts with these state priorities, women can access new opportunities that were previously out of reach.
“The knowledge gained from the workshop can be used as a starting point for starting a small business from home. Digital technology today can be used to promote and expand the business,” she said.
Her remarks underscored the transformative power of e-commerce and social media platforms, which allow entrepreneurs to reach customers beyond their immediate geographical vicinity without the need for substantial physical infrastructure.
In addition to promoting entrepreneurship, Dato Sri Doris drew attention to the educational initiatives provided by the Sarawak Government. She encouraged women to take full advantage of schemes such as free higher education at state-owned institutions.
These programmes are designed to produce a highly skilled workforce capable of driving the state’s future development. By pursuing further education, women can secure better employment prospects and play more influential roles in the professional sphere.
The event was also attended by Kennedy Chukpai Ugon, the State Assemblyman for Murum, who reinforced the government’s commitment to female empowerment.
He noted that the one-day programme was carefully structured to address gaps in education, skills training, and entrepreneurial know-how.
“Programmes like this not only provide new knowledge and skills to women but also help guide them to increase their income,” he said.
His comments reflected the broader objective of the state administration to ensure that economic growth is inclusive and benefits all segments of society, including those in remote rural areas.
The third phase of the ‘Let’s Get Ready’ tour attracted approximately 300 participants from the Murum and Belaga state constituencies.
The high turnout demonstrated a keen interest among local women to learn about digital tools and business management.
Workshops typically cover topics such as online marketing, financial planning, and product branding, providing practical skills that can be applied immediately.
For many women in rural Sarawak, traditional livelihoods have long been constrained by limited market access. The shift towards a digital economy offers a viable pathway to overcome these barriers.
By learning how to leverage technology, they can transform home-based crafts and agricultural products into commercially viable ventures.
The PRS Women’s Wing has been instrumental in organising such outreach programmes, recognising that empowered women are central to community stability and progress.
By fostering a culture of continuous learning and adaptation, these initiatives help build resilience against economic uncertainties.
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the ability to adapt will remain a crucial asset. The messages delivered in Belaga serve as a reminder that empowerment is not just about policy but about practical application.
With the right support and mindset, women in Sarawak are well-positioned to become key drivers of the state’s economic transformation.
