IPOH: The Federal Government has been urged to channel at least 1% of its expenditure next year through gender-responsive budgeting to ensure that allocations better address young women’s needs.
The proposal is among key recommendations in a memorandum from Sekretariat Perantis Wanita Muda, following last week's announcement of Budget 2027.
Its coordinator Tina Tajuddin said this is to ensure that young women’s voices, needs and aspirations are reflected in policymaking and national budget planning.
"Gender-responsive budgeting is not just about the distribution of funds, but also about ensuring that government policies, programmes and initiatives take into account the differing needs, opportunities and challenges faced by women," she told reporters after handing over the memorandum to Perak Women’s Development Office director S. Kavaramma here on Friday (Oct 16).
Tina said the memorandum was drawn up following online consultation involving 30 respondents, alongside additional strategic input, to gather young women’s views and experiences as the basis for policy recommendations.
Meaningful participation by young women in policymaking is essential for their voices to be translated into tangible action and outcomes, she added.
"We remain committed to advocating young women’s aspirations through policy advocacy, consultations and strategic collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
"The voices of young women are not merely aspirations, but important input in shaping policies and the nation’s future," she said.
Tina said the proposals were aligned with the four pillars of the National Women’s Policy 2025-2030, namely economy, leadership, safety, and wellbeing.
The secretariat also requested the department to review the memorandum and forward it to the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry for consideration.
Kavaramma said the memorandum would be forwarded to the department’s headquarters for consideration and action by the relevant ministry.
She hoped that the proposals could be refined and expanded to support the development and wellbeing of women through future programmes.
The secretariat oversees the Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Programme (Perantis), managed by the Women's Development Department under the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry.
