BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Women account for 47.2 per cent of the population, and demonstrate strong educational attainment, with literacy rates reaching 96.1 per cent among those aged 10 years and above according to the Gender Statistics 2024 of Brunei Darussalam, said Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Seri Setia Nazmi Mohamad in a message in conjunction with International Women’s Day 2026.
He added that women’s strong participation in education, from secondary to tertiary levels, continues to strengthen the nation’s future workforce and leadership pipeline.
Their growing participation in the labour market is also reflected in the increase of the labour force participation rate for women aged 18 and above, from 57.3 per cent in 2023 to 57.8 per cent in 2024.
The minister shared, “In the country’s education sector, women form the majority of the teaching workforce, particularly at the pre-primary and primary levels, highlighting their vital role in nurturing and shaping the next generation of Brunei Darussalam.”
“These achievements also contribute directly to the aspirations of Brunei Vision 2035, which envisions a nation recognised for the accomplishment of its well-educated and highly skilled people, a high quality of life and a dynamic and sustainable economy," he added.
"The continued advancement of women in education, the workforce and community leadership therefore plays an important role in strengthening the nation’s human capital and supporting Brunei Darussalam’s long-term development.”
The Minister highlighted, “International Women’s Day (IWD), observed on March 8 each year, provides an important opportunity to celebrate the contributions and achievements of women and girls around the world. It is also a moment to reflect on the progress that has been made and to reaffirm our shared commitment to advancing the development, well-being and empowerment of women in all aspects of society.”
He said, “This year, Brunei Darussalam commemorates IWD under the theme ‘Protect, Enable and Empower: Advancing Women in Society’.”
“This theme reflects our national commitment to safeguarding the rights, safety and well-being of women and girls, while expanding opportunities for education, skills development and lifelong learning to strengthen their future-readiness. At the same time, it underscores the importance of creating an enabling environment that supports women’s leadership, participation and meaningful contributions in decision-making processes across all sectors of society.”
The minister emphasised, “The theme was chosen to align with the strategic priorities identified through the Research on Women’s Development in Brunei Darussalam, whereby the Executive Summary of this research will be published on March 12, in conjunction with IWD. The strategic priorities, which will form the main thrusts of the National Plan of Action on Women, reinforces a holistic national commitment that emphasises safeguarding women’s safety and well-being, optimising women’s potential in the workforce and their career development opportunities, and strengthening women’s empowerment within families and communities.”
“Brunei Darussalam also continues to strengthen its policy and institutional responses in supporting women’s development and protection," he added. "In July 2025, two National Consultations on the Asean Regional Plan of Action on the Elimination of Violence Against Women were held, involving representatives from law enforcement agencies, health authorities, religious institutions, education sectors and civil society organisations. The consultations reviewed national progress and identified areas for further improvement, including inter-agency procedures, data coordination, shelter capacity and case management systems.”
He said, “ In November 2025, Brunei Darussalam, through the Prime Minister’s Office, also launched the Guideline Book on Addressing Harassment at the Workplace in the Public Service in the Sultanate. These efforts reflect the country’s continued commitment to strengthening protection mechanisms and advancing the well-being and empowerment of women.”
Civil society organisations also play an important role in complementing national efforts through prevention initiatives and support services for survivors.
Among the initiatives undertaken are Roundtable Discussions on Building Safer Digital Spaces to Prevent Online Gender-Based Violence, conducted by Project Women Brunei in March 2025 to strengthen awareness and promote coordinated responses to online abuse; Youth Protection Series 9.0: “Safe Homes, Safe Hearts – Stand Against Sexual Harassment”, organised by Syababul Iman in November 2025 to raise awareness on the prevention of sexual harassment and promote community vigilance; Mental Health Ambassador initiatives and art therapy workshops, implemented by Self Care Support Network throughout 2025 to enhance psychosocial support and encourage help-seeking behaviour; and women’s empowerment and family resilience programmes, conducted by Persatuan MAWAR in 2025 to strengthen awareness of women’s rights and available protection mechanisms within the community.
The minister iterated, “Together, let us continue to build a society where every woman is protected, enabled to realise her full potential, and empowered to play a meaningful role in shaping the future of Brunei Darussalam.” – Borneo Bulletin/ANN
