Women in Development

Some or 159,300 or 47% of the total population in 2000 were women. With equal opportunities and incentives, women can similarly play important role in the socio-economic national development wherein up to 63% of the total women in 2000 were contributor to the labour force.

The women LFPR increased from 45% in 1995 to 55% in 2000. The number of women involved in various sectors or employment including the security and armed forces have increased significantly. However, the total number of women working in the agricultural sector declined from 957 in 1996 to 562 in 2000. The 1996 statistics showed that 7.2% of women were employed in the professional area, 14.3% in the technical area and 2.3% in the public sector's administrative area. Besides that, the number of women working in the public sector holding senior positions were also on the rise. At the same time, the number of women proprietors and employees in the private sector also continue to increase.

Between 1996 to 2000, women involvement in higher education increased by 67%. The total number of local women graduating in various professional areas such as in medicine, law, architecture, engineering and others increased five-fold during the same period. Local women in the teaching profession increased by 59% whilde in nursing increased by almost three-fold. The local women literacy rate during the same period increased from 73% to 90% indicating that they have become more educated.

The participation of women in voluntary organisations are becoming more prominent, either at local, regional or international level. The Women Council of Brunei Darussalam has successfully organised several awareness programmes through seminars, courses, talks and goodwill meetings, signifying their concern for progress and development.

Although more women these days are actively involved in their careers, businesses and in voluntary organisations, their responsibilities to their families remain paramount.

Women in Brunei Darussalam will continue to be given equal opportunities in all aspects of life including in education, employment and business. The fundamental role of women for solidarity and harmony of the family and the country will continue to be emphasised. Besides encouraging women to be active in outside home activities, programmes involving family members including the establishment of child-care centres at work places or in special areas are encouraged to preserve and nurture the strong family values. The country and the community place high expectations on women to strengthen family ties for their social contributions through government bodies or voluntary organisations.


Source: Eight National Development Plan 2001-2005, Government of Brunei Darussalam