WOMEN DRIVE PROGRESS IN FAMILIES, SOCIETY AND NATION - BERNAMA CEO

KUALA LUMPUR, March 7 (Bernama) -- Women today not only play a vital role in their families but are also catalysts for societal and national development, said Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin.

Citing Bernama as an example, she noted that women hold leadership positions across senior management, mid-level ranks, and support roles, demonstrating their ability to lead, shoulder significant responsibilities, and effect meaningful change within the agency and beyond.

“I believe everyone recognises the invaluable contributions of women at Bernama. Without us, the agency would not have achieved the remarkable progress it has today.

“From handling the smallest tasks to executing major responsibilities entrusted to us by the Ministry of Communications, we have consistently delivered.

“I believe that at least 60 percent of our success is driven by the dedication and commitment of our female officers and staff,” she said at the Association of Women and Wives of Bernama Employees’ (Benita) Iftar event tonight in celebration of Women’s Day 2025. 

Also present were Benita deputy chairpersons Nasriah Darus and Azlina Aziz, who are the deputy Editor-in-Chief of News Services and deputy Editor-in-Chief of Economic News Services, respectively.

Nur-ul Afida described this year’s Women’s Day theme, “Wanita Beraspirasi, Membina Legasi”, as a fitting tribute to the extraordinary contributions of women in various aspects of life.

She expressed hope that the celebration would further empower women, encouraging them to explore new opportunities and bring about lasting change.

She also encouraged more employees to join Benita, highlighting that only 267 out of Bernama’s 460 female staff are currently members of the association.

“I believe we can increase this number, perhaps by engaging with younger staff who may not yet be aware of the benefits of joining Benita.

“The management fully supports Benita’s initiatives and activities, including granting conditional leave for participation in programmes at Bernama and the Ministry of Communications.

“In fact, for Ramadan, I have approved flexible hours for the Tadarus Al-Quran programme, involving 47 female staff members, with the hope that they can complete their recitation smoothly,” she said.

-- BERNAMA