CYBERJAYA: The Penggerak Wanita Risda (Pewaris) programme launched today, will be able to empower women, particularly in economic and educational aspects, says the Deputy Prime Minister.

Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also the Rural and Regional Development Minister, said the programme introduced by the Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (Risda) would transform the mindset of women to be more competitive.

"Pewaris will become a new group that can bring about significant waves. It is a catalyst for the change," he said when launching Pewaris at Cyberview Resort & Spa on Sunday (Feb 25).

Ahmad Zahid also reminded all parties to adopt a teamwork culture and avoid working in silos to empower women or address other issues.

"When we move as a team, we need to set aside silo thinking and trivial matters," he said.

After the ceremony, Ahmad Zahid said Pewaris was a continuation of the Risda liaison officer position, which had been rebranded.

"Their role has been expanded to the economic and educational fields," he said.

Today, Risda appointed 194 Pewaris involving a leader, 12 state-level coordinators and 181 members across the country.

Risda, in a statement, said the establishment of Pewaris was among the methods to improve the government's service delivery system.

Meanwhile, regarding the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme involving women, Ahmad Zahid, who is also the chairman of the National TVET Council Committee, said the programme was well received, and many managed to choose the fields they wished to join.

He also expressed confidence that the target of 150,000 participants by 2027 for the TVET programme, specifically for women, known as TVET@Jelita (Job Empowerment by Learning and Inclusive Technical Advancement), could be achieved.

"I think the courses offered (TVET@Jelita) are in line with the needs of the market and in line with efforts to create more female entrepreneurs," he said. – Bernama