On 7 February 2025, Projek SAMA launches its’ reports advocate for Women-Only Additional Seats (WOAS) for Sabah and Terengganu, after a consultative workshop held in Kota Kinabalu and Kuala Terengganu, in November 2024 and January 2025, respectively. Projek SAMA proposes that Sabah and Terengganu adopt the WOAS mechanisms to its’s nominated seats in their State Assembly as a temporary measures to increase the percentage of women representation and thus close the gap with The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action of 30%. With the adoption of WOAS and based on the result of the last State’s election, women representation in Sabah State Assembly would increase from 8.22% (6/73) to 16.46% (13/79), whereas in Terengganu State Assembly, an increase from 3.1% (1/32) to 13.8% (5/36). Though still falls short of the 30% mark, it can be a significant step forward to prepare and provide a platform for aspiring women to step into the political arena.
The launch is followed by a public forum that brings together advocates on women’s rights and empowerment to discuss the challenges and way forward for greater women representation in politics. Our esteemed panelist comprises of Beverley Natelie Koh, Vice President of Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR), Dato Ong Bee Leng, CEO of Penang Women Development Cooperation, Datin Fazar Arif, Founder of Pengerakan Orang Wanita Empowerment and Revolution (POWER), moderates by Farah Ilyana Mohd Anuar. The panelists share thoughts and views and inspiring stories that keep us motivated. “We keep going”.
