Monday, 18^th March 2024 – The Safety, Health and Environment National Authority (SHENA) organised a forum on “Empowering Women in Safety and Health” in conjunction with International Women’s Day whereby a total of more than 70 participants, comprising employees from organisations based at offices in Anggerek Desa Technology Park and registered Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Officers and Co-ordinators, as well as attended the Forum at Level 1, Auditorium, Design and Technology Building, Kg Anggerek Desa.

In line with this year’s International Women’s Day theme of “Inspire Inclusion”, the forum aimed to promote awareness of the participation of women in the areas of safety and health, provide a platform to share experiences and best practices as well as inspire and encourage more women to actively contribute towards the development in the occupational health and safety sectors in Brunei Darussalam.

Yang Mulia Haji Mohd Yusof bin Haji Mohd Taufik, the Acting Interim Chief Executive Officer (AICEO) of SHENA, in his welcoming remarks, highlighted that whilst the data from the Department of Economic Planning and Statistics has reported that 39.9% of the workforce in Brunei Darussalam comprised of women, however, based on the data gathered by SHENA to date, only 21% of WSH Officers and 16% of WSH Co-ordinators registered under SHENA are female. The Acting ICEO stressed that adequate representation of women in safety and health departments and committees is crucial in ensuring ample safety and health protection of women. An example of this is the inclusion of female staff as part of the risk management team in order to develop a comprehensive risk assessment which takes into consideration the associated hazards, risks and necessary controls for vulnerable groups such as pregnant women.

The forum’s Guest of Honour, Yang Mulia Hajah Farida binti Dato Seri Paduka Haji Talib, Permanent Secretary (Energy) at the Prime Minister’s Office, in her capacity as a member of SHENA’s Board of Directors, in her keynote address, reiterated the unique set of skills that women bring to ensure comprehensive safety and health protection. As a nation, and aligned with Wawasan 2035, efforts are in place to ensure equal opportunities for women towards the development of a highly skilled workforce and in achieving world class health and safety.

The forum showcased a presentation titled “Women Inclusivity in Compliance with the Workplace Safety and Health Order, 2009” by Dayang Nurul Zakiah binti Hj Md Taib, an officer from SHENA. The event was further enlivened with a panel session featuring presentations from Dr Hjh Haziah binti POK Saiful Mulok DSP Haji Abidin, Director of Manpower Planning Office, Prime Minister’s Office on “Health and Safety as a Career Pathway for Women”, Dayang Salawati binti Kassim, HSE Manager, TotalEnergies EP (Brunei) B.V on “Specific Safety and Health Considerations for Women in the Workplace” and Dayang Siti Nuranati binti Haji Saman, HSE Manager, Berakas Power Company Sdn Bhd on “Organisation’s Role in Ensuring Protection of Women in Safety and Health at the Workplace”. The forum ended with an interactive panel discussion sharing ideas on the workplaces’ role in ensuring adequate protection of women in safety and health, ways to encourage women to join the field of safety and health as well as the future aspirations for women in safety and health in Brunei Darussalam.

Principals, Occupiers, Employers and Persons at Work can find further guidance and information related to workplace safety and health including references to support compliance with the Workplace Safety and Health Order, 2009 and its regulations thereunder via the SHENA website: www.shena.gov.bn.