Jamaliah painting a flower while former MBDK Legal Department director Datin Fadzilah Abdul Aziz looks on during the event marking International Women’s Day. — Courtesy photos
WOMEN take on many roles, like being daughters, mothers, colleagues at a workplace, organisers of family obligations and homemakers.
Along with these roles comes tremendous stress, which affects one’s mental and physical health.
Motivational expert Sharifah Shawati Syed Mohd said women faced a host of different stressors and reactions to stress because any one of these roles could be all-consuming.
“Women need to find the right balance of time to plan for different areas of life, which requires each individual to be wise in handling stress and making lifestyle choices in daily life.
“As women, we need to avoid excessive worries. A better option is to exercise.
“Ensure enough sleep and avoid drinking beverages with excess caffeine,” she said.
Sharifah Shawati was speaking at the Klang Royal City Council (MBDK) Women’s Inspiration event held in conjunction with this year’s International Women’s Day.
The event at Dewan Hamzah in Klang was attended by Datin Jamaliah Ab Aziz, wife of Klang mayor Datuk Hamid Hussain.
Sharifah Shawati further advised women to implement preventive measures such as taking short breaks from their work stations to curb tensions.
However, she said: “We must understand that a certain level of stress helps keep our mind and body alert.
“Without it, we will be stagnant because there is nothing to nudge us to a higher level.”
She reiterated the need to be smart in managing stress.
Jamaliah (left) presenting a token of appreciation to Sharifah Shawati.
“Do not compare yourself with others, as it can lead to feelings of diminished self-worth and create stress.
“Just be grateful for the success you have achieved, no matter how small,” she told MBDK’s women employees.
Meanwhile, Jamaliah said women not only played roles within the family but also contributed to various sectors, including the economy, education, technology and health.
“Malaysia’s gender index gap shows that the overall participation of women in the economy is still low, but the percentage of women in management positions increased slightly to 25.4% in 2023, compared to 23.8% in 2022,” she said.
Jamaliah added that the statistics illustrated progress towards ensuring women’s participation and leadership in various sectors.
“Women’s active participation and their contribution in national development are immense and invaluable,” she said.
Jamaliah also urged all parties to advocate for women’s rights to ensure equal opportunities are given to reach their potential – allowing them to make the best contribution to the nation as possible.
