Bruneian women more economically active

WOMEN in Brunei Darussalam were found to be more economically active, according to statistics cited by Her Royal Highness Princess Hjh Masna, Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade yesterday.

"The statistics show that women make up 47 per cent of the population, and about 60 per cent are economically active," said Her Royal Highness at the second Women in Business Forum at the Empire Hotel and Country Club.

HRH said that more than half of the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are owned by women and the percentage was encouraging as SMEs contribute over 90 per cent of employment opportunities in the private sector.

The annual growth rate of economically active women have increased, HRH said, and added that Bruneian women were fortunate to be given equal opportunity to benefit from the support of the government and private sector in terms of capacity building.

"Microfinance could be regarded as a weapon of choice and nearly two-thirds of the schemes beneficiaries are women," HRH said.

HRH also said that it has become a global trend that a significant number of women have entered in the workforce and the business sector.

"Attaining higher economic status means women are more self-reliant, and gain greater self-esteem," HRH said.

"This economic empowerment is often a result of financial access, increasing power for women to make changes for their own lives. They are agents of change."

However, HRH said that the primary essence of support for women was their own family and the increase of women entering into the workforce meant that attention should be drawn on the importance of balancing work and family.

"Studies have shown that time is the new currency for women. A majority will trade duties, a title or even salary increases for more time with their families and themselves," the ambassador-at-large said.

Business involves a lot of commitment, determination, self-sacrifice and leadership that would often involve long working hours and the demand to balance their personal life at the same time, HRH added.

"There is no straight forward path to success. One must be prepared to persevere, and to face challenges and these challenges can be turned into opportunities," HRH said.

Reiterating that women in the country have excelled in schools and higher centres of learning, HRH said the ratio of women graduates to males spoke volumes in terms of their educational achievements.

"This achievement has enabled greater access to employment opportunities in various specialised professions and showed an increasing number of women holding senior positions, and involved in policy and decision-making," HRH said.

HRH said women's inclusiveness, focus on compromise and risk aversion are essential for a profitable business.

"There will constantly be a change and we need to adapt accordingly. So in whatever we do, wherever we are, I have always believed we should uphold our values and principles," HRH added.

Meanwhile, a luncheon was also held for forum participants, as well as an award giving ceremony that recognises women's contribution towards society.

Her Royal Highness Princess 'Azemah Ni'matul Bolkiah presented awards to Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Education Datin Paduka Hjh Apsah Hj Abdul Majid for the Brunei Woman Leader in the Government Award; Head of Human Resources Planning and Development of Brunei Shell Petroleum Hjh Malai Nuridah Sheikh Hj Mohammad for Brunei Woman Leader in Business; Hjh Khadijah Mohammad Managing Director for Megamas Training Company Sdn Bhd for Promising Brunei Woman Entrepreneur and Director of Kuala Belalong Field Study Centre under Universiti Brunei Darussalam's Biology Department Dr Kamariah Abu Salim for Brunei Woman Leader in Academic.

Her Royal Highness Princess Fadzillah Lubabul Bolkiah also attended the ceremony.

The Brunei Times