KUALA LUMPUR: It is important for women leaders to have full grasp of what is happening around the world in order for them to stay relevant in the age of Industrial Revolution 4.0 (IR4.0), Wanita Umno chief Tan Sri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil said today.
Shahrizat, who is also chairman of Women in Politics Kuala Lumpur 2017 (WIPKL 2017) conference, said those who are unaware of changes happening around them will be left out and unable to empower others to contribute to the country's development.
She said it is important for women leaders to understand the political scenario happening around the world in order to relate to the people.
“This is especially true in politics. Women leaders need to have a full grasp on the current situation, not only in Malaysia but also around the world.
"If they are not aware and are not 'in touch', then they will be left out and risk becoming irrelevant,” she said.
"As we are seeing development such as the ever-evolving digital world, Malaysian women especially those in politics must know issues such as the IR4.0.
"This shows how crucial it is for women to lead with knowledge and that is why the conference will revolve around women and IR4.0,"
"This conference is important not only for all and we hope it will create a new political highway for all women leaders," she said.
Themed “Women and Industrial Revolution 4.0: Leadership and Substantive Equality”, the WIPKL 2017, is set to be held at Putra World Trade Centre from tomorrow.
She said speakers from 18 countries and 27 political parties, including from the United States, Uganda, Palestine, Mauritius and Kyrgyzstan are expected to participate in the two-day conference.
Meanwhile, Bernama reported that about 1,000 delegates are expected to participate in WIPKL 2017. The speakers will include Government Chief Whip of Uganda Ruth Nankabirwa; Singapore Second Minister of Manpower Josephine Teo and United Nations Women Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific Dr Miwa Kato.
The conference will address the importance of substantive equality and women leadership in a world that is impacted by the IR4.0.
It also provides an opportunity for delegates to build new ties and encourages discussion on women issues and politics.
WIPKL 2017 is organised by Wanita Umno and will be opened by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak.