(Bandar Seri Begawan, 8th) March 8th of every year is International Women's Day, aimed at recognizing the important role of women and girls worldwide, and celebrating their contributions and achievements.
At the same time, it is also a moment to reflect on the progress made and to reaffirm our joint commitment to promoting women's development, well-being, and empowerment in all aspects of society.
The Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Dato Nazmi, issued a statement in conjunction with International Women's Day 2026.
This year, Brunei celebrates International Women's Day with the theme “Protection, Empowerment, Enablement: Advancing Women's Progress in Society.”
This theme reflects Brunei's commitment to safeguarding the rights, security, and well-being of women and girls, while expanding their opportunities in education, skills development, and lifelong learning to enhance their ability to face the future.
Meanwhile, the theme also emphasizes the importance of cultivating an environment that supports women taking up leadership roles, participating in decision-making, and making meaningful contributions in various fields of society.
The choice of this theme is consistent with the strategic priorities identified by the Brunei Women's Development Study, the executive summary of which will be released during the International Women's Day celebration on March 12, 2026.
These strategic priorities will be at the core of the Women's Action Plan, comprehensively strengthening the country's commitment by emphasizing the protection of women's safety and well-being, optimizing women's work potential and career development opportunities, and promoting women's empowerment within families and communities.
The progress achieved by Bruneian women today reflects the country's sustained investment in education, human capital development, and equality of opportunity.
According to Brunei's 2024 gender statistics, females account for 47.2% of the total population, with a high level of education, and a literacy rate of 96.1% among those aged 10 and above.
Women's active participation in the field of education, from secondary to higher education, continues to strengthen the country's future workforce and leadership talent pool.
The rising participation of women in the labor market is also reflected in the increase of the labor participation rate of women aged 18 and above, from 57.3% in 2023 to 57.8% in 2024.
In the education field, female teachers account for a large proportion, especially in preschool and primary education stages, highlighting their significant role in nurturing and shaping the next generation.
This achievement also directly contributes to the realization of Brunei Vision 2035, namely making Brunei a country renowned for its high-quality talent, high quality of life, and a vibrant and sustainable economy.
Therefore, continuing to enhance women's levels in education, the labor market, and community leadership is crucial to strengthening the country's human capital and supporting Brunei's long-term development.
Brunei will continue to strengthen its policies and institutional measures to support women's development and protection.
In July 2025, Brunei held two national consultations on the “ASEAN Regional Plan of Action on the Elimination of Violence Against Women” (RPA on EVAW). Representatives from various law enforcement agencies, health departments, religious institutions, educational institutions, and civil society organizations attended the consultations.
The consultations reviewed national progress and identified areas for improvement, including inter-agency procedures, data coordination, shelter capacity, and case management systems.
Additionally, in November 2025, Brunei released the “Brunei Public Service Sector Workplace Harassment Response Guidelines” through the Prime Minister's Office.
These measures reflect Brunei's continued commitment to strengthening protection mechanisms, and enhancing women's well-being and empowerment.
Civil society organizations also play an important role in supplementing national efforts through preventive initiatives and support services for victims.
These initiatives include a roundtable discussion on “Building a Safer Digital Space to Prevent Gender-Based Online Violence.”
The event, organized by Project Women Brunei in March 2025, aimed to raise public awareness and promote coordinated responses to online violence.
The “Youth Protection Series 9.0: Safe Home, Safe Mind—Against Sexual Harassment” event, organized by Syababul Iman in November 2025, aimed to increase public awareness of the prevention of sexual harassment and enhance community vigilance.
The “Mental Health Ambassador Program” and “Art Therapy Workshops” implemented throughout 2025 by the Self Care Support Network aim to strengthen psychosocial support and encourage people to seek help.
The “Women's Empowerment” and “Family Resilience Program” implemented in 2025 by the MAWAR Association are aimed at enhancing public awareness of women's rights and existing social protection mechanisms.
Finally, the Minister extends International Women's Day greetings to all women in Brunei. May women continue to move forward with confidence and perseverance, contributing their talents, leadership, and dedication to strengthening family, society, and the nation.
Let us work hand in hand to build a society where women are protected, have the opportunity to fully realize their potential, and are empowered to play a significant role in shaping Brunei’s future.
At the same time, it is also a moment to reflect on the progress made and to reaffirm our joint commitment to promoting women's development, well-being, and empowerment in all aspects of society.
The Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Dato Nazmi, issued a statement in conjunction with International Women's Day 2026.
This year, Brunei celebrates International Women's Day with the theme “Protection, Empowerment, Enablement: Advancing Women's Progress in Society.”
This theme reflects Brunei's commitment to safeguarding the rights, security, and well-being of women and girls, while expanding their opportunities in education, skills development, and lifelong learning to enhance their ability to face the future.
Meanwhile, the theme also emphasizes the importance of cultivating an environment that supports women taking up leadership roles, participating in decision-making, and making meaningful contributions in various fields of society.
The choice of this theme is consistent with the strategic priorities identified by the Brunei Women's Development Study, the executive summary of which will be released during the International Women's Day celebration on March 12, 2026.
These strategic priorities will be at the core of the Women's Action Plan, comprehensively strengthening the country's commitment by emphasizing the protection of women's safety and well-being, optimizing women's work potential and career development opportunities, and promoting women's empowerment within families and communities.
The progress achieved by Bruneian women today reflects the country's sustained investment in education, human capital development, and equality of opportunity.
According to Brunei's 2024 gender statistics, females account for 47.2% of the total population, with a high level of education, and a literacy rate of 96.1% among those aged 10 and above.
Women's active participation in the field of education, from secondary to higher education, continues to strengthen the country's future workforce and leadership talent pool.
The rising participation of women in the labor market is also reflected in the increase of the labor participation rate of women aged 18 and above, from 57.3% in 2023 to 57.8% in 2024.
In the education field, female teachers account for a large proportion, especially in preschool and primary education stages, highlighting their significant role in nurturing and shaping the next generation.
This achievement also directly contributes to the realization of Brunei Vision 2035, namely making Brunei a country renowned for its high-quality talent, high quality of life, and a vibrant and sustainable economy.
Therefore, continuing to enhance women's levels in education, the labor market, and community leadership is crucial to strengthening the country's human capital and supporting Brunei's long-term development.
Brunei will continue to strengthen its policies and institutional measures to support women's development and protection.
In July 2025, Brunei held two national consultations on the “ASEAN Regional Plan of Action on the Elimination of Violence Against Women” (RPA on EVAW). Representatives from various law enforcement agencies, health departments, religious institutions, educational institutions, and civil society organizations attended the consultations.
The consultations reviewed national progress and identified areas for improvement, including inter-agency procedures, data coordination, shelter capacity, and case management systems.
Additionally, in November 2025, Brunei released the “Brunei Public Service Sector Workplace Harassment Response Guidelines” through the Prime Minister's Office.
These measures reflect Brunei's continued commitment to strengthening protection mechanisms, and enhancing women's well-being and empowerment.
Civil society organizations also play an important role in supplementing national efforts through preventive initiatives and support services for victims.
These initiatives include a roundtable discussion on “Building a Safer Digital Space to Prevent Gender-Based Online Violence.”
The event, organized by Project Women Brunei in March 2025, aimed to raise public awareness and promote coordinated responses to online violence.
The “Youth Protection Series 9.0: Safe Home, Safe Mind—Against Sexual Harassment” event, organized by Syababul Iman in November 2025, aimed to increase public awareness of the prevention of sexual harassment and enhance community vigilance.
The “Mental Health Ambassador Program” and “Art Therapy Workshops” implemented throughout 2025 by the Self Care Support Network aim to strengthen psychosocial support and encourage people to seek help.
The “Women's Empowerment” and “Family Resilience Program” implemented in 2025 by the MAWAR Association are aimed at enhancing public awareness of women's rights and existing social protection mechanisms.
Finally, the Minister extends International Women's Day greetings to all women in Brunei. May women continue to move forward with confidence and perseverance, contributing their talents, leadership, and dedication to strengthening family, society, and the nation.
Let us work hand in hand to build a society where women are protected, have the opportunity to fully realize their potential, and are empowered to play a significant role in shaping Brunei’s future.