KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Hannah Yeoh is urging girls and women to smash the “glass ceiling” and not let anyone hinder them from achieving their dreams.
The Segambut member of parliament and former Subang Jaya assemblyman shared this advice with a group of girls at the #dreamBIG event last Saturday.
The event was organised by The Body Shop and Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO), in celebration of the International Day of the Girl.
“There are many limitations and glass ceilings that have been put over girls and women.
“And, even very strong and powerful women, they too have glass ceilings over them.
“And because of that, I just want to challenge all the girls here.
“Smash those glass ceilings and don’t allow anyone to cap your growth.”
Yeoh also talked about the “glass ceiling” she had to overcome when she joined politics.
“When I was called into politics 11 years ago, the ceiling that was put over me was ‘You are young, you are not experienced, and you cannot become a politician’.
“I had to work extra hard to smash that limitation, to say that my age was not a barrier.
“So, wherever you are, whatever stage of life you are in, there will always be limitations.
“Don’t worry, just work around it, don’t let that cripple you.”
The 25 girls, who come from diverse backgrounds, also presented their dreams and aspirations to Yeoh. They included becoming an author, providing free healthcare to those in need, and using music and art to connect people.
WAO president Yee Pek Mei highlighted the importance of a supportive environment for girls.
“It’s by creating a supportive environment that we can help girls thrive and achieve their dreams.
“This includes providing girls with education that sparks their curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking, education that prepares them for a changing world.”
