Kuala lumpur: The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry (KPWKM) has allocated RM4 million for the Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Programme (PERANTIS) this year, targeting the participation of 80 women leaders and 4,000 participants. Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri stated that the programme, managed by the Department of Women Development (JPW), is a strategic initiative aimed at strengthening women's leadership through mentoring, experience-sharing, and capacity-building.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the PERANTIS programme was introduced in 2024 following Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's announcement during the International Women's Day celebration on March 8 that year. The programme aims to develop future women leaders across various sectors. KPWKM said the initiative aligns with the National Women Policy and the Women Development Action Plan 2025-2030, which emphasize leadership development and skills enhancement for women.
The ministry highlighted that the PERANTIS programme also supports national aspirations under the 13th Malaysia Plan and regional commitments through ASEAN cooperation in strengthening women's participation in leadership, the economy, and inclusive social development. In 2024, PERANTIS recorded encouraging results with 1,247 participants receiving guidance from 25 women leaders in 10 key areas, including leadership, politics, economy, social affairs, technology, law, security, wellbeing, education, and health.
The programme was expanded in 2025 with the participation of 100 women leaders and 4,129 participants, backed by an allocation of RM5 million. KPWKM remains committed to strengthening women's leadership through PERANTIS, as reflected in the Women Inspiration Programme: Unlocking Potential, Honouring Dedication, held today to recognize women leaders who demonstrated commitment, dedication, and exemplary leadership during last year's programme.
The ministry reiterated that the commitment shown throughout the programme proved that women are capable of carrying leadership responsibilities with distinction and inspiring more women to step forward.