SHAH ALAM, Oct 12 — The courage and resilience shown by women activists Greta Thunberg and Dr Fauziah Mohd Hassan should serve as an inspiration for women leaders to uphold values, principles, and humanity in their leadership.
State executive councillor for women empowerment and welfare Anfaal Saari said women today must be bold enough to lead with moral strength and empathy to drive positive change in society.
"Greta Thunberg, who joined the Global Sumud Flotilla mission to Gaza, and Dr Fauziah, who was once detained by the Zionist regime while participating in a humanitarian mission to Gaza, have proven that women can be powerful voices for justice on the world stage.
"These two figures have shown us that women can be brave, can lead, and can change the world. They are not politicians, but individuals who dared to defend their principles and humanity. This is the kind of courage every woman leader must possess," she said.
“These two figures show us that women can be brave, can lead, and can change the world. They are not politicians, but individuals who dared to stand firm on their principles and humanity. This is the kind of courage every woman leader must possess,” she said.
Anfaal said this in her speech at the Women’s Leadership Academy (AKW) convocation ceremony held at the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Building here today.
She said women’s leadership is not about seeking power, but about how power is exercised wisely, grounded in integrity and courage to uphold truth and justice.
“We do not want leaders who merely speak eloquently on stage, but those who can truly listen to the people, go to the ground, and take responsibility when times are toughest."
She added that various initiatives such as AKW, Siwanis, and the establishment of Sukarelawan Wanita Berdaya will continue to be strengthened to enhance women’s roles in community work and their capacity as local leaders.
“I urge the graduates who received full sponsorship from the Selangor government to register as members of the AKW Alumni or the Alumni Wanita Berdaya Selangor to build a continuous leadership network across the state.
“Continue to contribute your energy, ideas, and expertise to women empowerment programmes throughout Selangor, because every small step you take is part of a larger journey toward an inclusive and resilient society,” she said.
Earlier, 97 graduates were celebrated at the third AKW convocation ceremony after completing a 12-month study programme fully sponsored by the state government.
Since its inception in 2019, the programme has produced 345 women alumni across Selangor’s leadership network.
