Jesselton University College (JUC) is actively committed to promoting women’s participation in subjects where they are traditionally underrepresented, with a strong emphasis on gender equity under SDG 5 (Gender Equality). In 2024, JUC launched and supported multiple initiatives to increase access, exposure, and confidence among women especially those from low-income (B40) and rural communities to enter fields such as creative entrepreneurship, digital technology, and vocational education.
One of the flagship programmes, Creative Floristry Design, trained 40 women participants, empowering them with practical floristry skills to start home-based businesses. The programme, funded under Program Latihan Madani and HRD Corp, was specifically tailored for women and youth and included modules on creativity, entrepreneurship, and self-employment.
Through the Pulau Gaya National Training Week, another 32 women from island-based and indigenous communities were engaged in digital literacy, environmental awareness, and hands-on training. This rural outreach was conducted in collaboration with HRD Corp, the Ministry of Human Resources Malaysia, and Hanakoya, targeting communities with limited access to vocational education and connectivity.
JUC also organised free ad-hoc workshops during National Training Week, including sessions on Artificial Intelligence (AI), graphic design, digital marketing, and effective communication. Out of 800 total participants across all sessions, over 40% were women, many of whom were attending such technical workshops for the first time. The workshops were designed to remove financial and accessibility barriers, helping women develop marketable skills aligned with future job markets.
These targeted programmes were not only free and publicly advertised but also structured to encourage more women to apply and participate in fields where female representation remains low. JUC continues to strengthen partnerships with government and private sectors to expand these offerings as part of its long-term institutional commitment to inclusive education and gender equity.
