List of Tables and Charts
1.Population
Table 1.1Mid year population estimation by sex, 1990-2010
Table 1.2Population by age group and sex, 2007-2010
Table 1.3Population by race and sex, 2001-2010
Table 1.4Total population by religion and gender
Table 1.5Registered live births and deaths, birth and death rates
Table 1.6Total number of deaths registered by gender, age group and year
2.Education
Table 2.1Number of teacher by level of education and gender, 2001-2010
Table 2.2Number of student by level of education and gender, 2001-2010
Table 2.3Other female educational statistics, 2006-2007
Table 2.4Male students per 100 female students, 2006-2008
Table 2.5Universiti Brunei Darussalam enrolment 2004, 2008 & 2009
Table 2.6Enrolment by programme at Universiti Brunei Darussalam 2004/2005, 2008/2009, 2009/2010
Table 2.7Graduates by programme from institute technology Brunei (itb), 2003‑2010
Table 2.8Number of schools, teachers and students by type of schools under Ministry of Religious Affairs, 2001-2009
Table 2.9Number of students and teachers in institute Hassanal Bolkiah Tahfiz Al‑Quran, 2000-2009
Table 2.10Literacy rate % aged and above
Table 2.11Percentage of female education officers from Ministry Of Education on In-Service Training 2008
Table 2.12Statistic of students referred to special education unit, 2004-2009 (excluding case closed)
Table 2.13Statistic of students referred to special education unit, 2004-2009 (including case closed)
Table 2.14Number of students, teachers and Arabic schools under the Ministry Of Religious Affairs, 2000-2009
Table 2.15Number of enrolment at Seri Begawan religious teachers University College, 2007-2009
Table 2.16number of enrolment at Seri Begawan religious teachers University College, 2000-2006
Table 2.17In-service training of civil servants overseas, 2006-2009
Table 2.18In-services training of civil servants in-country, 2006-2009
3.Employment
Table 3.1Labour force estimate, 2004-2010
Table 3.2Labour force aged 15 years and above
Table 3.3Employment by economic activity, population census 2001
Table 3.4Working population by major occupational groups and sex, population census 2001
Table 3.5Working population in private sector by major industry group and sex, 2008-2009
Table 3.6Government employees by sex, 2000-2010
Table 3.7Government employees by division and sex, 2008-2009
Table 3.8Number of women employees at Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
4.Health
Table 4.1Number of hospital, health centre and health clinics, 2004–2010
Table 4.2Health workforce, 2008
Table 4.3Other health indicators on women, 2003–2008
Table 4.4Women living with HIV/AIDS in 2008
Table 4.5Female abridged life table of 1991 and 2001
Table 4.6Ten leading causes of deaths by gender in 2008 & 2010
5.Rural women
Table 5.1Population by urban and rural areas 1971-2001
Table 5.2Usage of improved drinking water in 2004
Table 5.3Usage of adequate sanitation facilities in 2001
6.Marriage and family life
Table 6.1Female population by age group and marital status (2001 census)
Table 6.2Registered marriages and divorces, 2001-2010
Table 6.3Women associations
7.Social protection / social ills
Table 7.1Recipients of old age pensions under old age and disability pensions order 1954, 2007-2009
Table 7.2Recipients of disability allowances under old age and disability pensions order 1954, 2007-2009
Table 7.3Recipients of welfare benefits by gender, 2007-2009
Table 7.4Recipients of self-reliance (micro-credit scheme) Department of Community Development 2006 – April 2010
Table 7.5Statistics of enterprise facilitation scheme applicants, 2006-2010
Table 7.6Statistics of micro-credit scheme applicants, 2006-2010
Table 7.7National level athletes by gender and sports, 2009
Table 7.8Wife abuse cases, 2007- 2009
Table 7.9Domestic violence cases, 2005 – 2009
Table 7.10Sexual offences, 2005 – 2008
Table 7.11Female residents at Taman Noor Hidayah and Darussakinah welfare homes, 2005-2010
References
Members of Drafting Committee of CEDAW Report
Executive Summary
Brunei Darussalam has always recognises the importance of the promotion and protection of human rights, including women. Even prior to acceding to the United Nations Convention for the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) on 24 May 2006, Brunei Darussalam already has in place the mechanisms to promote and protect women’s rights.
Brunei Darussalam is in a unique position as its Constitution and legislations have already sought to address a number of the provisions outlined in CEDAW. In addition, the laws and regulations in the country do not discriminate between men and women. There are also cases where the laws are more advantageous to women. In addition to existing policies, towards the advancement of women in the country, in 2008, a special committee was formed in order to better coordinate national efforts towards promoting and protecting the rights of women and the family institution.
It has always been the policy of the Government of Brunei Darussalam to recognise the role women play in the development of the nation. Women have contributed actively in decision-making processes and attain senior positions in various legal, political, financial and managerial professions. The highest level attained have included the post of Attorney-General with ministerial rank, Deputy Minister, Permanent Secretary, Auditor-General, Solicitor-General, Accountant-General and as chief executive officers in both the public and private sectors including banks. Two women are members of the thirty three member National Legislative Council. Two of the four universities in Brunei are currently headed by women. Women also serve in Islamic institutes of higher education and as Prosecutors both in the Syariah courts and Civil courts.
Women in Brunei Darussalam have always been and will continue to be given equal opportunities in all aspects of life including education, employment and health. There is a high participation of women in educational and training institutions, and gender parity in primary and secondary education has been eliminated in the country to provide Education For All. As well as these, women continue to permeate into male-dominated fields, occupation and sports. Measures are also introduced in support of women including the enactment of the Employment Order 2009, to replace the former Labour Act (Cap. 93), which seeks to protect women in the workplace including their right to maternity leave. In addition, there is no restriction for women in gaining ownership in land or housing. All these indicate the country’s achievement in eliminating discriminations against women.
The Government of Brunei Darussalam is committed to the advancement of the status of women in the country and acknowledges the need to continue achieving their full potential. In this regard, the Government of Brunei Darussalam will continue its efforts to ensure that women participate in capacity building programmes as well as encourage their further participation in regional and international bodies, such as ASEAN, Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), Commonwealth and United Nations as a means to gain and share knowledge, information and experience. The Government of Brunei Darussalam will also continue to work closely with the relevant non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in the country, who has played an equally important role in improving the status of women.
The Initial Report to the UN Committee for CEDAW is prepared by the National Coordinating Committee, comprising of government agencies and relevant NGOs in the country. Brunei Darussalam also looks forward to working with the state parties to CEDAW and relevant UN bodies in upholding the status and right of women in the country.
Introduction
The report is divided into two parts:
Part I is the core document to explain the general background of Brunei Darussalam including the legal framework and institutions in the country for the advancement of women’s status in Brunei Darussalam.
Part II is the convention-specific document which addresses the implementation of articles of the CEDAW and its recommendations.
Part I – General Information
1.Brunei Darussalam: National Profile
1.1.Brunei Darussalam achieved its full independence on 1 January 1984. The country is situated on the north-west coast of the island of Borneo with a total area of 5,765-sq. km. and a coastline of about 161-km along the South China Sea. Brunei Darussalam is divided into four districts namely Brunei-Muara, Tutong, Belait and Temburong. Bandar Seri Begawan is the capital city that covers an area of about 16 sq. km.
1.2.The estimated population for Brunei Darussalam in 2009 is 406,200 of which 191,200 are women. Of the total women population, approximately 75.3% are those aged 39 years and below, and 5.6% are those aged 60 years and above. The multi‑ethnic population is made up of Malays (66.3%), Chinese (11.0%) and other communities (22.7%). According to the country’s 2001 population census, the average household size was 6.0 persons per household. The nuclear and extended family households were the dominant type with a proportion of 59.4% and 26.2%, respectively. (Tables 1.1 – 1.3)
1.3.Islam is the official religion of Brunei Darussalam while other religions are also practiced (Table 1.4). Although Malay is the official language, English is widely spoken. Other languages, which are spoken by the respective communities, include Mandarin (as well as various other Chinese dialects such as Hokkien, Hakka and Cantonese), Dusun, Iban, Hindi and Tamil.
1.4.Melayu Islam Beraja (MIB) or Malay Islamic Monarchy has been in existence since the 15th century and was officially proclaimed in January 1984. MIB is a national philosophy which integrates the language, culture and Malay customs, teachings of Islam and the monarchy system of administration.
2.Policy Framework
2.1.In 2008, the Government of Brunei Darussalam approved the Long-Term Development Plan, with the time frame of 30 years, to implement the country’s national vision – the Wawasan 2035. The Plan, among others, aims to make Brunei Darussalam among the top 10 countries in the world with a dynamic economy, sustainable per capita income, educated and well-skilled people. To fulfil the targets of the vision, eight (8) strategies were identified to include the following areas: education, economy, security, institutions development, local business development, infrastructure development, environment and social guarantees.
2.2.The Outline of Strategy and Policy for Development (OSPD), covering the period up to 2017, comprises of 50 policy directions. One of the Government’s policy directions that highlights and promotes gender equality is mentioned in the ‘Economic Strategy’ of the OSPD, where the Government has called for the need to “Encourage equal opportunities for women in the workforce and in the nation building”. The policy direction is designed to give equal opportunities to women in the labour force and further enhance their status in nation-building. To enhance a more active participation of women in national development, opportunities has been given to women to hold higher positions in the public and private sectors. These include at the level of policy makers and legislators. Childcare facilities and crèche have also been provided to facilitate the participation of women in employment. A special fund to enhance the development of women in business needs has been provided.
3.Institutional Framework
3.1.National Committee
3.1.1.A ministerial level National Council on Social Issues (MKIS), under the chairmanship of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS), was established in April 2008 to replace the Special Committee on Social Issues. The MKIS undertakes the responsibility of, among others: identifying current social issues; formulating policies, legislation and plan of actions for social issues; and, coordinating and ensuring its implementation by relevant agencies. Members of the MKIS include the Ministers of Finance, Education, Religious Affairs and Home Affairs; Deputy Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and Chairman of the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Foundation. The following special committees were also set up under the MKIS: Special Committee on Poverty; Special Committee on Women and Family Institution; Special Committee on Persons with Disabilities and the Aged, Special Committee on Immoral Activities, Special Committee on Mentality and Special Committee on Prevention of Crime. Other relevant committees include the National Committee on Transnational Crime (NCTC) and the Committee to Address Unemployment Issue.
3.1.2.The Government of Brunei Darussalam recognizes the importance of promoting and protecting human rights, including that of women. The Special Committee on Women and Family Institution was established in order to better coordinate national efforts towards promoting and protecting the rights of women and the family institution. The Special Committee is chaired by the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports while its Vice-Chair and Secretary are the Deputy Minister and Permanent Secretary at the MCYS respectively. Members of the Special Committee include Permanent Secretaries at the PMO, Ministry of Finance (MOF), Ministry of Education (MOE), Ministry of Health (MOH), Ministry of Religious Affairs (MORA) and Ministry of Home Affairs (MOHA); the Royal Brunei Police Commissioner; the Director General of Civil Service; and representatives from the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC), the Syari’ah Court and the Council of Women of Brunei Darussalam (CWBD). The Department of Community Development is the Secretariat of the Special Committee.
3.1.3.The terms of reference of the Special Committee are as follows:
i.To recommend policies, legislations and plans of actions are formulated to address issues on women and family institution;
ii.To coordinate and ensure that the plans of action and programmes on women and family institution are implemented by the relevant agencies;
iii.To review, analyse and implement the plans of action and programmes on women and family institution;
iv.To ensure that the gender and family perspectives are incorporated into all national policies and budgetary requirements;
v.To ensure that all pertaining issues on women and family institution are identified before commissioning a research to identify their root causes and recommend strategies to address them; and
vi.To ensure close cooperation between relevant stakeholders from Government and non-government agencies, including the private sector, voluntary organizations, corporate bodies, businesses, community and village leaders, parents as well as the general public in addressing issues on women and family institution.
3.2.National Machinery
3.2.1.The national machinery on women issues is the Department of Community Development (DCD), MCYS. The objectives and functions of the DCD with regards to women issues are as follows:
Objectives
i.Undertaking and coordinating programmes and activities pertaining to women affairs such as:-
•Research/studies on women in development;
•Collection and dissemination of information on women;
•Awareness programmes on women issues including the rights and responsibilities of women as agents of development including their responsibilities in strengthening the family unit in order to achieve harmonious living in family life, society and the nation; and
•Awareness programmes designed to eliminate discrimination against women, such as violence against women, legislation, trafficking etc.
ii.Encouraging the participation of women in national development without compromising the stability of their marriage/family life;
Functions
i.Providing protection, counselling and advice to women and girls who are victimized by marital abuse, sexual abuse, drug abuse and other social ills;
ii.Providing welfare benefits, emergency relief, educational guidance, training and temporary shelter to women who are destitute, elderly, widowed, divorced, disabled or victims of natural disaster or misfortune;
iii.Organizing and implementing self-reliant/entrepreneurial programmes to help women become economically-independent; and
iv.Monitoring the activities of women’s associations in the country in order to ensure that they are in line with national development objectives.
3.3.Non-governmental organisations
3.3.1.The presence of NGOs in the country complements efforts of the Government in ensuring the country’s prosperity as well as social and economic progress. These organisations place much emphasis on promoting welfare and social equality by providing the support and platforms in which to address the various concerns of the people. The NGOs are actively involved in areas such as promoting awareness of persons with disabilities; social and economic advancement of women; youth empowerment; encouraging sports towards excellence; promoting awareness on HIV/AIDS and drugs; and encouraging human development by enhancing personal skills.
3.3.2.The MCYS works closely with the NGOs on issues involving women’s rights. The collaboration is maintained through an umbrella NGO, the Council of Welfare Brunei Darussalam (CWBD), to improve the status of women in all areas, particularly in education, economy, welfare, culture and society. Thirteen (13) other women’s associations in the country are affiliated to the CWBD. For instance, the Women’s Business Council of Brunei Darussalam represents the interests and concerns of women in the area of business. It provides an avenue for the exchange of ideas and development of entrepreneurship skills, and support for quality businesses for women. Its members are drawn from both women in the government and private sectors including academicians. In addition, CWBD also participates in ASEAN Confederation of Women Organization (ACWO) in order to enhance further the development of women in the country.
4.Legal Framework
4.1.Various legislations are enforced in Brunei Darussalam to ensure the promotion and protection of human rights, including safeguarding the welfare of all, particularly women and children in the country. These include:
i.Women and Girls Protection Act (Cap. 120) - gives protection for women and girls by stipulating provisions that criminalises any acts that may harm and endanger them, including the following acts:
•Selling or hiring women and girls for the purpose of prostitution;
•Harbouring women and girls by false pretences or fraudulent means;
•Setting up of brothels;
•Detaining women and girls in a brothel or in any place for prostitution;
•Trafficking in women and girls; and
•Living in or trading in prostitution.
ii.Women and Girls Protection (Place of Safety) Rules 2001 contains provisions relating to the place of safety for women and girls.
iii.Married Women Act (Cap. 190) governs the rights of married women as well as provides for matters incidental thereto such as rights to maintenance, respect of property, remedy, civil actions and legal representation and protection of a spouse physically injured. The Act however does not apply in any matter where any of the parties professes the Islamic religion. With effect from 26 June 2010, the Act was amended to include provisions on domestic violence. Pursuant to the amendments, the Act provides better protection for victims of domestic violence. The Act explicitly defines the meaning of domestic violence and provides an extensive protection for abused victims including the issuance of protection orders and expedited orders by the court, the award of compensation to the abused victims and the grant of power of arrest to the police officers.
iv.Islamic Family Law Order 2000 stipulates provisions relating to Islamic family law in respect of marriage, divorce, maintenance, guardianship and other matters connected with family life of a Muslim. The Order provides protection for women and children by preserving and safeguarding their interests and rights in order to guarantee and promote their welfare, such as:
•Maintenance and accommodation of married women;
•Division of and partaken in matrimonial property for women after divorce;
•Ill treatment of wife or husband;
•Maintenance of dependants; and
•Guardianship of children.
With effect from 26 June 2010, new provisions on ‘dharar syar’ie’ or domestic violence was also added into the Order. Similar like the Married Women Act (Cap. 190), the new provisions explicitly define domestic violence and provide better protection for victims of domestic violence, which among others, includes the issuance of protection orders and expedited orders by the court, the award of compensation to the abused victims and the grant of power of arrest to the police officers.
v.Children and Young Persons Order 2006 which replaced the Children Order 2000 and came up into effect on March 2010, provides for the care and protection of children and their rehabilitation; and the establishment of the Juvenile Courts and Action Teams on Child Protection. The Action Teams on Child Protection has been set up for the purposes of coordinating locally-based services to families, children and young persons in cases where children or young persons are or are suspected of being in need of protection. The Order provides for temporary custody, medical examination and treatment, remand homes, place of detention, approved schools and approved homes and procedure in juvenile courts. It also stipulates offences against children and young persons such as trafficking, ill-treatment, begging and leaving them without reasonable supervision.
vi.Penal Code (Cap. 22) provides protection for women generally, by criminalising acts that cause hurt and grievous hurt to any person, rape, incest, insult the modesty of women and voluntarily cause a woman with a child to miscarry.
vii.Compulsory Education Order 2007 provides 9 years compulsory education for all including girls.
viii.Criminal Procedure Code (Cap. 7) contains provisions that are specifically applicable to women such as the prohibition of imposition of death sentence on pregnant woman if she is convicted of capital offence, prohibition of whipping on women and the mode of searching woman which must be made by another woman with strict regard to decency.
ix.Prison’s Rules (under section 62 of the Prisons Act (Cap. 51)) sets out provisions for the welfare and interests of women prisoners, especially in respect of their accommodation, employment, education and health.
x.Chinese Marriages Act (Cap. 126) makes it an offence to treat the other party to the marriage cruelly and to cause substantial physical or mental suffering. It is also an offence under the Act to desert the other party to the marriage or his or her children without reasonable excuse.
xi.Employment Order 2009 contains specific provisions which govern the employment of women in Brunei Darussalam.
xii.Trafficking and Smuggling of Persons Order 2004 criminalises the activities of human trafficking, human smuggling and exploitation of trafficked persons.
xiii.Unlawful Carnal Knowledge Act (Cap. 29) protects girls against sexual exploitation and makes it an offence to have sexual intercourse with a girl under the age of 16 years.
xiv.Old Age and Disability Pensions Act (Cap. 18) provides for pecuniary payments by way of pensions for blind persons and their dependants, allowances for persons who are suffering from Hansen’s disease and the mentally disabled and their dependants, disability pensions and such other pensions and allowances as may be prescribed.
4.2.The draft Disability Order has been formulated and is in the pipeline for adoption. The Order is expected to help promote the concept of inclusive society where individuals with special needs find opportunities to be productive. The Order will address various issues, including access to infrastructure, education, health, recreation and sports, culture and information. This will ensure the promotion and protection of the rights of the disabled from a rights-based approach.
4.3.All these laws are published and made accessible to the public where copies can be bought for the Printing Department, PMO. Soft copies are also made available to the public through AGC’s website: www.agc.gov.bn.
5.Regional and International Commitments
5.1.Brunei Darussalam abides by the principles and purposes of the United Nations Charter since joining the Organization as a full-fledged member on 21 September 1984. Brunei Darussalam also upholds the values of the 1948 United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the major UN decisions related to promoting and protecting human rights.
5.2.Brunei Darussalam acceded to the CEDAW on 24th May 2006. Other regional/international commitments of Brunei Darussalam on gender-related issues include:
i.ASEAN Declaration on the Advancement of Women in the ASEAN Region (1988);
ii.ASEAN Declaration on the Commitments for Children in ASEAN (2001);
iii.ASEAN Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women in the ASEAN Region (2004);
iv.ASEAN Declaration against Trafficking in Persons particularly Women and Children (2004);
v.ASEAN Declaration on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers (2007);
vi.ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) (2009);
vii.ASEAN Commission on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Women (ACWC) (2010)
viii.Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC)(1995);
ix.Beijing Declaration and Platform of Action (1995);
x.Nairobi Forward Looking Strategies for the Advancement of Women (1985);
xi.Commonwealth Plan of Action on Women and Development (1987);
xii.Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography (2006);
xiii.Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2007); and,
xiv.Commonwealth Plan of Action for Gender Equality (2005).
5.3.As a signatory to the UN Millennium Declaration, Brunei Darussalam has carried out continuous efforts to ensure the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), including in promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women. The 2009 UNDP’s Human Development Index ranked Brunei Darussalam 30th place out of 182 nations recognising, among others, the eradication of extreme poverty, improvement of the lives of its people and a progressive improvement in equity.
5.4.Brunei Darussalam has participated in and benefited from various programmes organised by regional and international bodies such as the ASEAN Committee on Women (ACW), Non-Aligned Movement Institute for the Empowerment of Women (NIEW) and the Commonwealth. It also works with the UN Women (formerly known as United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM)) through the ASEAN framework, in terms of accessing technical assistance on innovative programmes and strategies to foster women’s empowerment and gender equality.
Part II – Convention specific document
Part II of the Report outlines Brunei Darussalam’s progress with regard to the implementation of 11 out of the 12 critical areas of concern identified in the CEDAW.
The Government of Brunei Darussalam expresses its reservations regarding provisions of this Convention that may be contrary to the Constitution of Brunei Darussalam and to the benefits and principles of Islam, the official religion of Brunei Darussalam. Without prejudice to the generality of this Convention, Brunei Darussalam has tendered reservations with respect to Paragraph 2 of Article 9 and Paragraph 1 of Article 29, as follows:
Article 9(2)
States Parties shall grant women equal rights with men with respect to the nationality of their children.
Article 29 (1)
Any dispute between two or more States Parties concerning the interpretation or application of the present Convention which is not settled by negotiation shall, at the request of one of them, be submitted to arbitration. If within six months from the date of the request for arbitration the parties are unable to agree on the organization of the arbitration, any one of those parties may refer the dispute to the International Court of Justice by request in conformity with the Statute of the Court.
Response to respective articles of the Convention:
1.Article 1: Definition of Discrimination
1.1.There is no clear definition of the term ‘discrimination against women’. However, for practical purposes, it may be interpreted to mean treating women differently to men to the detriment of women. While there may be customary and traditional practices that distinct the role of men and women, the Government of Brunei Darussalam has taken positive measures to address discrimination including by providing equal access to education, economic resources and employment.
1.2.Generally, the laws of Brunei Darussalam apply to both men and women. Although they are expressed in the masculine gender, Section 4(a) of the Interpretation and General Clauses Act (Cap. 4) provides that the words importing the masculine gender includes females.
1.3.Although there are no specific provisions by which the law courts may impose penalties on persons or legal persons guilty of discriminating women, redress is available through the applicable law in that particular sphere.
2.Article 2: The Elimination of Discrimination
2.1.The decision to sign the CEDAW in 2006 was a significant step in support of international efforts to address the issue of discrimination against women.
2.2.In the field of criminal law, all penal provisions apply equally to both males and females. In fact, some laws are specifically aimed at the recognition and protection of women. Penal legislations such as the Penal Code (Cap. 22) list specific offences against women such as rape and use of words, gesture or act with intent to insult the modesty. In addition, certain penal sentencing provisions are more advantageous towards women. For example, the Criminal Procedure Code (Cap. 7) contains, among others, provisions that prohibit the imposition of death sentence on pregnant women if convicted of capital offence. Meanwhile, Section 62 of the Prisons Act (Cap. 51) sets out provisions for the welfare and interests of women prisoners, especially in respect of their accommodation, employment, education and health.
3.Article 3: Guarantee of Basic Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms
3.1.Brunei Darussalam continues to improve opportunities for women to help them achieve their potential in the social, economic and political life of the society, based on a principle of meritocracy.
3.2.The Constitution of Brunei Darussalam provides that any person (other than a Regent) who is a citizen of Brunei Darussalam and who has attained the age of 21 years shall be qualified to be a Member of the Legislative Council (Article 29). Two (2) women are currently members of the Legislative Council.
3.3.Women have equal access to education and health. Furthermore, they are given equal treatment in terms of employment in both the public and private sectors.
3.4.Currently, Brunei Darussalam has an inter-agency consultative mechanism which deals with matters related to human rights. The existence of such mechanism, which works closely with NGOs and civil society, has ensured human rights in the country are well promoted and protected. The main agencies dealing with such responsibilities are PMO, AGC, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MOFAT); MOHA, MORA, MOH, Ministry of Development (MOD), MOE and MCYS.
3.5.At the regional level, Brunei Darussalam has appointed its Representative to the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) to work with other ASEAN Member States in promoting and protecting human rights in the region. Brunei Darussalam has also appointed representatives to the ASEAN Commission on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Women and Children (ACWC), which was established in April 2010.
3.6.The Development and Advancement of Women
3.6.1.There are milestones to mark the advancement of Brunei women. For the first time, in 1930, 24 girls were admitted to a government girls’ school. In 1937, 42 girls were allowed to study with boys in a government Malay school. Twenty years later, the all-girls English school was opened.
3.6.2.Women NGOs were formed as early as 1 February 1951, with the setting up of the “Kaum Ibu”, established with the encouragement of the then British administration and the Girl Guides Association. This was followed by the formation of several other women NGOs.
3.6.3.The forerunners in the establishment of the existing Council of Welfare Brunei Darussalam (CWBD) in 1985 were six women associations that recognized the need to have an umbrella body to unite all the women’s NGOs. The CWBD now has 13 affiliated associations. (Table 6.3)
3.6.4.Acknowledging the many women’s issues to be addressed, the Government’s earliest effort was the establishment of a Women’s Unit in February 1987 under the Social Affairs Services Division in the MCYS. As the national focal point for women, the Unit is well placed to coordinate all matters pertaining to women. Among its main task was to act as an information centre for the collection of data and dissemination of information on women.
3.6.5.On 8 July 2002, the Social Affairs Services Division was upgraded to the Department of Community Development (DCD). It continues to oversee matters pertaining to women. Today, the DCD, Islamic Propagation Centre, MORA, relevant members of the private sector and the various women NGOs regularly conduct women seminars and forums on women.
3.6.6.The DCD is strongly supported by the CWBD. Established as an umbrella NGO on 6 April 1985, it comprises 13 national women’s organizations representing the views and aspirations of all women in Brunei Darussalam with the main objective to improve the status of women in all areas such as education, economy, welfare, culture and social, and striving for gender equality and the promotion of women’s role in national development. Its agenda includes the pursuit of gender equality and gender mainstreaming in national development plans including gender budgeting.
3.6.7.The CWBD is strategically engaged in decision making in national and social issues through its involvement as a member and partner of many government agencies. The CWBD is also a member of the ASEAN Confederation of Women’s Organisations (ACWO), International Council of Women (ICW) and the South East Asia Women’s Caucus on ASEAN; and attends various ASEAN and ASEAN+3 workshops, conferences, meetings and UN affiliated meetings. It is also highly engaged in ACW and ACWO fora and carries out activities to implement the five critical areas of concern under the Beijing Platform of Action and CEDAW. Some of the women’s organizations are also members of international bodies.
3.6.8.Women’s Business Council – Brunei Darussalam (WBC) is another national non-governmental organisation (NGO) to represent the interests and concerns of women in business. It creates an avenue for the exchange of ideas and developing entrepreneurship skills, and support for quality businesses for women. Its activities include trade fairs, business matching and networking and training at local, regional and international levels. Its members are drawn from both government and private sectors such as women in business and including academicians. It works closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MOFAT) as well as Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources (MIPR) and other relevant government agencies to further develop and strengthen its activities.
3.6.9.Regionally, Brunei Darussalam participates in the ASEAN fora and BIMP-EAGA (Brunei Indonesia Malaysia Philippines – East Asia Growth Area). On 5 July 1988, Brunei Darussalam joined five other ASEAN members in signing the Declaration on the Advancement of Women in the ASEAN Region. In pursuit of the Declaration, ASEAN Member States were tasked to disseminate information about the Declaration, to promote the discussion of gender issues, to create or strengthen national machineries for the advancement of women and to promote the awareness of governments on the role of women in development. The ASEAN Women’s Programme (now the ASEAN Committee on Women) developed a reporting mechanism for the Declaration. The first report was published in 1996 entitled ‘The Advancement of Women in ASEAN; a regional Report’. Its second report was published in 2001 and the third report on the Advancement of Women in ASEAN: Gender Dimensions of Globalisation and Regional Integration was published in 2007. The ASEAN Committee on Women meets annually and the ACWO is represented in ASEAN Committee on Women Meetings and also as part of respective national delegations. In support of regional efforts to promote the advancement of women, Brunei Darussalam commemorates International Women’s Day and ASEAN Women’s Day annually on 8th of March and 5th of July respectively.
3.6.10.At the international level, Brunei Darussalam’s women take part in the work of the United Nations (UN), Commonwealth, Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC), the East Asia fora and the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation fora, in particular the APEC Women Leaders Network Meeting, the Women’s Business Council and the Gender Focal Point Network.
3.7.Violence against Women (Tables 7.8 – 7.11) – In light of Recommendation 12 & 19
3.7.1.In Brunei Darussalam, the term ‘dharar syarie’ or domestic violence is defined under the Islamic Family Law Order 2000 and the Married Women Act (Cap 190) as the commission of any of the following acts:
i.Wilfully or knowingly causing, or attempting to cause, a family member to be in fear of hurt;
ii.Causing hurt to a family member by such act which is known or ought to have been known would result in hurt;
iii.Compelling the family member by force or threat to engage in any conduct or act from which he has a right to abstain;
iv.Wrongfully confining or restraining a family member against his will;
v.Continual harassment with intent to cause distress, annoyance or humiliation, or knowing that it is likely to cause distress, annoyance or humiliation, to a family member; or
vi.Causing destruction, damage or loss to property of a family member or causing financial loss to a family member.
3.7.2.Brunei Darussalam has various legislations which criminalise domestic violence including the Penal Code (Cap. 22), the Women and Girls Protection Act (Cap. 120), Islamic Family Law Order 2000, the Married Women Act (Cap. 190) and the Children and Young Persons Order 2006.
3.7.3.The Islamic Family Law Order, 2000 and the Married Women Act (Cap. 190) were amended in 2010 to include provisions on domestic violence. Any woman who is the target of any violence may apply to the Syariah Court for protection order or expedited order against dharar syari’e or domestic violence.
3.7.4.Awareness campaigns and training for personnel in particular front line personnel involved in domestic violence issues are constantly conducted by government agencies and NGOs. These include medical officers, law enforcement officers, teachers and social workers. In 2008 alone, 2 national level symposiums were organised specifically on domestic violence with the theme “Don’t be silent, take action”.
3.7.5.Protection for victims is provided through shelter homes run by the DCD. Support services by government agencies and NGOs are provided for victims while counselling services are provided for victims as well as perpetrators. In 2006 the DCD introduced a 3-digit helpline 141 to replace the older 6-digit helpline which provided venues for reporting, complaints, airing of grievances and which provided counselling over the telephone. Calls are registered in accordance with the requirements of International Child Helpline.
3.7.6.The precise incidence of domestic violence in Brunei Darussalam is difficult to determine for reasons such as stigma, reluctance, shame and fear of personal safety, which may make cases go unreported.
3.7.7.The latest statistical breakdown by the Department of Criminal Intelligence, Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) shows that the number of domestic violence cases for the last five years has steadily decreased from 175 cases in 2005 to 122 cases as of August 2009. Of this, the number of wife abuse cases is 160 cases in 2005 and 100 cases as of August 2009. Child abuse cases and maid abuse cases have both double in 2008 as compared to the year 2005. (Table 7.8-7.9)
3.8.Women with Disabilities (Table 7.2)
3.8.1.In 2008, the number of persons with disabilities (PWDs) registered with the DCD was 2,284 which is 0.57% of the total population.
3.8.2.Issues on persons with disabilities (including women) are handled by the Special Committee on Persons with Disabilities and the Aged under the aegis of the National Council on Social Issues. The Special Committee is chaired by the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports while its Vice-Chair and Secretary are the Deputy Minister and Permanent Secretary at the MCYS respectively. Members of the Special Committee include Permanent Secretaries at the Prime Minister’s Office, Ministries of Finance, Education, Health, Religious Affairs, Home Affairs, Communications and Development; as well as representatives from the Council of Welfare Brunei Darussalam and the Council of Community Welfare. The Department of Community Development (DCD) is the Secretariat of this committee.
3.8.3.The terms of reference of the Special Committee are as follows:
i.To recommend policies, legislations and plans of actions are formulated to address issues on older persons and people with disabilities;
ii.To coordinate and ensure that the plans of action and programmes on older persons and people with disabilities are implemented by the relevant agencies;
iii.To continuously review and analyse the effectiveness of plans of action and programmes on older persons and people with disabilities;
iv.To ensure that all pertaining issues on older persons and people with disabilities are identified before commissioning a research to recommend strategies to address them;
v.To ensure that a database on older persons and people with disabilities is established; and
vi.To ensure close cooperation between relevant stakeholders from Government and Non-Government agencies, including the private sector, voluntary organizations, corporate bodies, businesses, community and village leaders, parents as well as the general public in addressing issues on older persons and people with disabilities.
3.8.4.The national focal point for issues relating to persons with disabilities (PWDs) is the Department of Community Development, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports. Two other agencies, namely, the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Ministry of Education (MOE) are key stakeholders in the provision of services relating to health and education for the disabled. Tripartite meetings are held regularly between these parties to ensure effective and integrated approach on the rights and protection of children with disabilities. Priorities in health care are given to the young population in particular the prevention of disabilities by optimising prenatal, prenatal and postnatal care.
3.8.5.The Child Development Centre (CDC) of the MOH provides services to facilitate the diagnosis, assessment, treatment and support therapy for children with disabilities in order to ensure their optimal health and development. The CDC also provides coordination and professional support and training for NGOs in the country.
3.8.6.The MOE has an inclusive education policy for persons with disabilities, which does not allow for segregation of schools for them. Education for persons with special needs is coordinated by the Special Education Unit (SEU) of the MOE. The SEU is the coordinating unit which organises services with the support of the School-Based Team (SBT). This team includes Special Education Needs Assistance (SENA) or Home-Room (HR) Teachers, regular classroom teachers, teacher aides, resource teachers, special educators, psychologists and other relevant specialist personnel.
3.8.7.The Government is currently in the process of establishing Centres of Excellence for special needs students who excel in their studies through Model Inclusive Schools providing Excellent Services for Children. Selected primary and secondary schools have been allocated additional funding and support to ensure they have the necessary school facilities, special learning equipment or resources, specialist support services, and teacher training programmes to provide quality inclusive education for a wide range of students with diverse learning needs.
3.8.8.The increase in public awareness of training and employment capabilities is evidenced by the increasing number of persons with disabilities in the labour force. Programmes for persons with disabilities are provided by the DCD in centres called Pusat Bahagia in each district. The Centres provide training for children and adults with disabilities, industrial training, community-based rehabilitation and disability equipment for poor disabled persons. Currently, there are two centre-based programs, namely, the Basic Orientation Training Programme and the Vocational Training Programme. The DCD and the CDC also provide Home-Based or Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) programmes which provide services to those who do not have the opportunity to undergo training at the Centres, especially those who live in rural areas. As for the families of the disabled, supportive therapy is also extended which helps to alleviate unwarranted fears and anxieties of parents towards their children.
3.8.9.In the effort of further promoting the rights of persons with disabilities, Brunei Darussalam signed the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities on 18 December 2007. A National Committee/Task Force set up to oversee the Convention is led by the DCD which also coordinates the possibility of ratifying the Convention in the near future. This would ensure the enactment of an appropriate legislation, which among others, address issues of Persons with Disabilities on a rights-based approach. At the same time, it would explicitly prohibit discrimination against any person based on disability.
3.8.10.The Old Age and Disability Pensions Act (Cap. 18) provides citizens and permanent residents monthly financial pensions. Other welfare aid includes disability aid such as wheel chairs, walking aids, Braille, prosthetic limbs, visual aids and education for children with special needs and training programmes for adults (sign language, basketry, Braille, handicrafts, art, music, carpentry, sewing and horticulture).
3.8.11.In addition, there are a number of NGOs which complement government efforts in the promotion and protection of the rights of persons with disabilities. These include:-
i.Pusat Ehsan
ii.Brunei Darussalam National Association of the Blind (BDNAB)
iii.The Association for Paraplegic and Physically Handicapped People of Brunei Darussalam (PAPDA)
iv.The Association of Handicapped Children of Brunei Darussalam (KACA)
v.Society for the Management of Autism Related Issues – In Training, Education and Resources (SMARTER)
vi.Learning Ladders Society
vii.FITRAH
viii.Special Olympics Brunei Darussalam (SOBD)
ix.La Vida Limited
x.Persatuan Orang Kurang Pendengaran (OKP)
3.8.12.The Government of Brunei Darussalam has recently established an assistance scheme whereby civil servants can contribute financially to any PWD association of their choice by having their monthly salaries deducted voluntarily. In addition, a complimentary piece of land totalling 18 acres has been allocated for building premises of PWD associations. The Government of Brunei Darussalam will provide gratis layout plans for each PWD association while the cost of constructing the building premises will be borne by the PWD associations either through their own resources or through private sponsorship.
3.8.13.With regard to accessibility, although there is no legislation concerning facilities for persons with disabilities, it is mandatory for the inclusion of such facilities in all future building designs. However, the draft Disability Order has been formulated and is in the pipeline for adoption. This will ensure the promotion and protection of the rights of the disabled from a rights-based approach.
4.Article 4: Special Measures – In response to Recommendation 25
4.1.Women in Brunei Darussalam have always been and will continue to be given equal opportunities in all aspects of life including education, employment and business. Recognizing the contribution of women to national development, priorities will continue to be given towards ensuring women’s fundamental role in the socio economic structure of the nation. With the national agenda on the strengthening of the family institution, equal emphasis is given to the role that both men and women play in the family institution and in nation building.
5.Article 5: Sex Role Stereotyping and Prejudice
5.1.Measures to Eliminate Prejudice and Negative Customary Practices
5.1.1.The traditional role of women is still upheld in some ways. However the achievements of women in Brunei Darussalam testified by their high participation in schools, tertiary education and in the work force has impacted on the breakdown in the stereotyping of women. There are more female students than males in tertiary education and women accounted for 71% on average of graduates in 2007-2010. Men and women share family roles and women have permeated into male dominated occupations and also in the field of sports.
5.1.2The school curriculum emphasizes both the roles of men and women in the upbringing of the family. Children are taught on family responsibilities, respect for the elderly and good virtues.
6.Article 6: Trafficking and the Exploitation of Women
6.1.Measures to suppress trafficking and the exploitation of women
6.1.1.Brunei Darussalam has in place three legislations which govern the issue of women trafficking and exploitation of prostitution of women namely, the Trafficking and Smuggling of Persons Order 2004, the Women and Girls Protection Act (Cap. 120) and the Penal Code (Cap. 22). The Women and Girls Protection Act (Cap.120) criminalises any activity of buying, selling, procuring, trafficking in or importing of women and girls into Brunei Darussalam for the purpose of such traffic. It also criminalises the selling, hiring, procuring, bringing into Brunei Darussalam, harbouring, detaining women or girls for the purpose of prostitution. The Trafficking and Smuggling of Persons Order 2004 also in general criminalises the activities of human trafficking, human smuggling and exploitation of the trafficked persons. The Penal Code (Cap. 22) also contains provisions which criminalise the exploitation of prostitution of women and girls.
6.1.2.The Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) has established a Heads of Specialist Trafficking Unit (HSU) on the 16th August 2011 to specialize in investigating trafficking-in-persons cases in Brunei Darussalam. HSU specializes in conducting investigations on Trafficking in Persons offences in accordance to the Trafficking and Smuggling in Persons Order, 2004. The Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) has been developed to establish step-by-step procedures by which trafficking-in-persons (TIP) investigations will be conducted. HSU works very closely with Immigration and National Registration Department, Labour Department, AGC and DCD, for the prevention, investigation, protection and anything related to TIP cases.
6.1.3.The Women and Child Abuse Investigation Unit (WCAIU) of the RBPF was established in April 1997 for the purpose of tackling any form of violence against women and children. The WCAIU is manned totally by women officers. The WCAIU is under the Major Crime Division of Criminal Investigation Department and the Unit has an increase of over 600% in manpower from when it was first established (from 4 personnel to 27 personnel). The vision of the WCAIU is “effectiveness in fighting violence against women and children” and its mission is to protect the rights of women and children against violence and abuse, to protect youth against social problems and to discharge the responsibility entrusted by RBPF by carrying out investigation in a systematic and professional manner and in line with the criminal laws and procedures. The nature of offences that are handled by the WCAIU include domestic violence, sexual offences (rape, incest, unlawful carnal knowledge), child abuse, juvenile delinquency and abandonment of infant.
6.1.4.Over the last few years, the WCAIU together with other government and private institutions have continuously and actively participated in promoting public awareness on sexual related offences, domestic violence and child abuse through various road shows, television awareness programs and talk shows. The WCAIU also promotes awareness through series of interview with the media and help produce articles relating to the above topics.
6.1.5.The Public Relation Office (PRO) of the RBPF actively promotes awareness programmes in schools for students and teachers through a series of talks, discussion groups and visits. Awareness programmes in schools by the PRO are done twice weekly.
6.1.6.The RBPF also have community policing (Kejiranan Kampong) consisting of head of village and village members. The members of ‘Kejiranan Kampong’ are regularly updated on issues on crime and crime prevention. The PRO has a close rapport with mosques and uses this as an opportunity to talk to the residents during Friday prayer about crime prevention awareness. The PRO will strive to improve on communications strategies; maintaining media relations by providing timely press release and improve in their publication effort in crime awareness and prevention.
7.Article 7: Political and Public Life – In response to Recommendation 23
7.1.The changes in women’s socio-economic characteristics and their corresponding role in the Brunei society have been due to several factors since the 1970’s and more especially in the last decade. The first and fundamental one is the improvement in the general level of education among females. This has led to a dramatic increase in the participation rate of women in the labour force, working in professional, technical, managerial and administrative jobs.
7.2.The improvement in the general level of education among females has led to a dramatic increase in the participation rate of women in the labour force, working in professional, technical, managerial and administrative jobs from a rate of only 20% in 1971 to 59% today. Until April 2011, women constitute about 50.4% (24,710) of the civil service force where they occupy 30.7% of Division 1 posts (Table 3.7–3.8). The Brunei National Development Plan 2007-2012 stress on the need to enhance a more active participation of women in national development by providing them opportunity to hold higher positions in the public and private sectors including at the level of policy makers and legislators.
7.3.Women serve in a wide variety of capacities ranging from entrepreneurs, lawyers, pilots and fire fighters to notable ranks in the civil service. Ample employment opportunities for women both in the public and private sectors have made this possible. Brunei women’s employment have permeated into male-dominated fields such as in engineering, the army, fire brigade and police force, to name a few.
7.4.For the first time in Brunei Darussalam, there are currently two women in the ministerial level. One of whom is Attorney General and the other as the Deputy Minister. Two women also sit in the State Legislative Council. All this reflect the recognition of Brunei women’s contributions in Brunei Darussalam’s socio-economic development and nation building.
7.5.Women have also contributed actively in decision-making processes and attain lead positions in various professions such as legal, political, financial, and managerial. Women have been and continue to be appointed as Permanent Secretaries, Deputy Permanent Secretaries, Auditor-General, Accountant-General, Solicitor-General, Director-General, Directors and Deputy Directors throughout the Civil Service including the MORA. Women also currently head two of the four universities. Women also serve in executive positions in Islamic institutes of higher education and universities. Since 1995, women have been appointed as prosecutors and since 2003, the posts of Syar’ie Court Prosecutors had been filled by women. These developments have ensured the participation of women in the formulation and implementation of government policy; they hold public office and perform all public functions at all levels of government.
7.6.Women are given all opportunities to participate in nation building as men and both the public and private sectors recognize their talents. Women have voting rights as do men in the election of village leaders.
7.7.Civil Society participation in decision making is through the participation of the CWBD.
8.Article 8: Participation at the International Level – In light of Recommendation 8
8.1.In the socio-economic development of the country, improvements in the levels of education amongst women have led to an increased participation rate of women in the work force.
8.2.Brunei Darussalam’s commitment to women development is reflected in our efforts towards gender mainstreaming and in our commitment to the CEDAW, to the Beijing Declaration and Platform of Action, the ASEAN Declaration on the Advancement of Women in the ASEAN Region, the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women in the ASEAN Region and the MDGs, in particular, the goal to promote gender equality and empower women.
8.3.In this regard, women are given equal opportunities in all aspects of life including representing the Government and participating in the work of regional and international organizations in all fields not merely in gender related issues.
8.4.On top of that, the private sector and civil society dealing with women issues are also active proponents on the development of women in the international fora.
9.Article 9: Nationality – In response to Recommendation 4 & 20
9.1.Women have equal rights to the citizenship as men. Marriage to one of another nationality does not automatically affect the nationality of the woman. Change in the husband’s nationality also does not affect the nationality of the wife, render her stateless or force upon her the nationality of the husband.
9.2.In light of recommendation 4 & 20, The Brunei Nationality Act (Cap. 15) allows for either a Bruneian father or Bruneian mother of the child to obtain nationality of their children in accordance with its Section 4 and 6 respectively. Section 4 of the Brunei Nationality Act (Cap. 15) spells out categories of person who can acquire nationality by operation of law whilst Section 6 provides for the acquisition of nationality of a minor by way of registration i.e. upon application by a parent or guardian who is a Brunei national. As such, pursuant to Section of the Act, children of women citizens married to foreign nationals maybe accorded Brunei citizenship upon application.
9.3.Brunei Darussalam places reservation on this article as it has a policy of single nationality and does not recognise dual nationality. Thus children of women citizens may either be registered as Brunei nationals or the nationals as that of the father.
10.Article 10: Education (Tables 2.1 – 2.18)
10.1.Providing universal access to education has always been a fundamental objective of Brunei Darussalam’s education policy. All levels of education in government schools is provided free of charge for citizens though there is also the option of private schooling. Continued substantial investments have been made by the Government in improving educational infrastructure and providing quality teaching at all levels. The rural-urban divide has also been taken into consideration with more primary schools have been built over the last few years thus improving access to quality education to the population as a whole.
10.2.The literacy rate of females aged 9 years and over has increased from 73.3% in 1981 to 91.5% in 2001 (Table 2.10), with the current estimated literacy rate at 94.9%. The number of girls enrolling in secondary level education exceeded that of boys and in 2004 there were 32% more female students than male in the tertiary level education. The increasing numbers of female graduates are products of both our local national university as well as from overseas universities. In 2007, women made up 73% of total graduates. (Tables 2.2 and 2.5)
10.3.To meet future challenges in an ever changing world, the Government has developed a vision of ‘Quality education towards a developed, peaceful and prosperous nation’. While placing strong emphasis on literacy and numeracy; the education system also aims to develop and equip our children morally, intellectually, physically, socially and aesthetically with the right values, skills and characters to become responsible, dynamic and high quality citizens to contribute positively to the nation. School children are also exposed to ICT skills to promote creativity, independent learning and enhance higher order thinking skills.
10.4.Among the educational policies of the MOE are: -
i.To provide a well-balanced curriculum as well as suitable and uniform public examinations administered according to the level of education, including those with special needs, in all schools throughout the nation;
ii.To provide facilities for mathematics, science, technical and information and communication technology education in order to enable students to obtain knowledge and skills that are relevant and necessary in the constantly changing world of employment;
iii.To provide self-development and enrichment programmes through co‑curricular activities in accordance with the national philosophy;
iv.To offer a wide range of opportunities and choices in higher education for those with appropriate qualifications and experiences with such opportunities to be offered based on national needs as and when they arise; and
v.To provide the best possible educational infrastructure in order to fulfil national needs.
10.5.“The Compulsory Education Order 2007” ensures that all children from the age of six attend school for at least nine years. Failure to do so amounts to a contravention of the Order and renders each parent of such child liable to legal action.
10.6.Brunei Darussalam’s National Action Plan on education complies with the Dakar Framework and Jomtien Declaration on Education for All, including the implementation of the Inclusive Education Policy and the ICT Strategy in education. Brunei Darussalam has also adopted three major themes in its 2007-2011 strategic plan, namely (1) Quality Education; (2) Teaching and Learning Excellence; and (3) Professional, Accountable and Efficient Organisation.
10.7.The current Brunei Darussalam’s National Development Plan (2007-2012) and the Brunei Darussalam Vision 2035 place great emphasis on the accomplishment of a well-educated and highly skilled society with a world class education system that promotes lifelong learning as its hallmark. Education is one of the 8 major development strategies and 8.7% of the development fund goes to education, including modernising its ICT infrastructure. Annually, 17% of our GDP is spent on education.
10.8.Recently, the Education For All (EFA) Development Index (EDI) for 2009 classified Brunei Darussalam as being close to achieving the four most quantifiable EFA goals – Universal Primary Education, Adult Literacy, Gender Parity and Quality and Quality Education. Brunei Darussalam ranked 36 from 129 countries with a high EDI which stands at 0.972.
10.9.In addition to these initiatives, the Government has endeavoured to improve the quality of education system by continue to provide free education for citizens from primary education until tertiary education. The Government also implement the new education system suited for the 21st Century skills and competencies; referred to as the “Sistem Pendidikan Negara Abad Ke-21” (SPN21) which is broad-based, provides multiple pathways for the students towards attaining further and higher education qualifications as well as equipping students with the relevant skills necessary to survive with the demands of a fast changing world.
10.10.Students of both sexes also enjoy equal educational benefits which include monthly transport allowances and educational allowances in vocational and tertiary educational institutions. In addition, the disadvantaged can apply for monthly educational allowances for each of their children. This benefit is not restricted to the number of children per family.
10.11.Islamic religious education is included in the school curriculum of the MOE. Apart from these, there are also religious schools under the MORA. (Table 2.8). Islamic Religious Knowledge is taught from Year 1 up to Year 11 and in Year 12 students are able to choose various Islamic topics for A levels too.
10.12.The indicators for scholarships as well as in-service training also show equal if not more participation from women. Out of the total of 2,402 government officers permitted for in-service training locally from 2006 to 2010, 66.9% were women and of the total of 1,195 government officers who were sent abroad on in-service training in 2006 to 2010, a total of 661 or equivalent to 55.3% were women.
10.13.On 2nd January 2012, the MOE started an assistance scheme whereby, based on established criteria, a total of 107 underprivileged students are provided with hostel accommodation to help them attain educational achievement. The students are placed in the hostel of Duli Pengiran Muda Al-Muhtadee Billah College. The placement in the hostel will make way for proper socialization that can bring success in the students’ lives, enable them to pull themselves out of poverty and live life with greater independence, discipline and success. In the hostel, the students will follow programmes, which include extra class as well as counselling services.
11.Article 11: Employment (Tables 3.1-3.8)
11.1.The largest employer in Brunei Darussalam is the Government of Brunei Darussalam operating through 12 ministries. Brunei Shell Petroleum Company is the second largest employer.
11.2.The improvement in the general level of education among females has led to an increase in the number of working women from 63,500 persons in 2004 to 70,600 persons in 2008. The labour force participation rate for women in 2008 was 56.7%. (Tables 3.1-3.2)
11.3.The 2008 statistics also showed 39.4 per cent of the labour force consists of women. From 1991 to 2001, the average annual growth rate of economically active women was 5.5 per cent, higher than the growth rate of women population of working age. This is evident in the fact that at 7.9%, the annual growth rate of economically active women between 1991 and 2001 is double the growth rate of the female population of working ages. There has also been a steady increase of women entering what were previously male-dominated fields. (Table 3.4)
11.4.Women are not subject to sex discrimination, have working opportunities as well as equal rights as men provided they have the relevant qualifications for positions advertised. They receive equal pay as men and work equal hours.
11.5.Brunei Darussalam National Development Plan (2007–2012) states that opportunities will also be given to women to hold higher positions in the public and private sectors. It places emphasis on the need to provide child care and crèche facilities at work place to facilitate the participation of women in employment and calls for the provision of a special fund to enhance the development of women in business needs.
11.6.The protection of women in the workplace including their right to maternity leave is provided under Part X of the Employment Order 2009 which provides for conditions relating to the employment of women. The Order outlines maternity benefits which a pregnant woman in confinement is entitled to, including rest, pay and against termination during maternity leave.
11.7.In the case of pregnant employees, it is the practice of the attending obstetrician or occupational health doctor to recommend any special requirement to protect the mother and unborn child e.g. receiving appropriate vaccinations, removal from hazardous work (not working with hazardous chemicals and in an infectious environment).
11.8.Currently, an occupational health and safety legislation is being proposed which will include employer’s responsibility to ensure a safe working environment for all employees.
11.9.The Government has enforced a new regulation called the Maternity Leave Regulation 2011 as a measure towards coordinating the pre- and post-natal needs and health interest of mothers. By virtue of the Regulation, the maternity leave entitlement of women officers and staff in the civil service has been increased from 56 days to up to 105 days. Privileges under the Maternity Leave Regulation 2011 will also be extended to those employed in the private sector.
11.10.In 2009, the government has taken steps to women’s rights to equal opportunities and treatment in the work place. The policy on the employment of women on a month-to-month basis had been effaced by the government. Both graduate and non-graduate women are now employed on a permanent basis. This not only ensures job security for women but to their entitlement to various remuneration and benefits in the civil service such as leave passage allowances and education allowances.
11.11.Equal Remuneration – In response to Recommendation 13
11.11.1.The salaries of women are on par with that of men. All enacted laws and regulations one employment matters in Brunei Darussalam provides equal opportunities and rights to both men & women, they include the following legislations;
•Employment Order 2009
•Workmen’s Compensation Act (Cap. 74)
•Trade Unions Act (Cap. 128)
•Employment Agencies Order 2004
11.11.2.As of the 1st of January 2012, women in the civil service are eligible to various benefits. These include civil service Leave Passage Allowance and Education Allowance. Eligible officers entitled to receive these allowances can claim for themselves and their eligible family members.
12.Article 12: Health (Tables 4.1 -4.6) – In response to recommendation 24
12.1.The provision of a comprehensive health care system for the people is a priority for Brunei Darussalam. Basic health services are easily accessible to the population throughout the country, including providing flying medical services to rural areas. Health care in the public sector is provided free for all citizens and permanent residents and is affordable to non-citizens. Maternal and Child Health Services are provided free to all pregnant mothers and children regardless of citizenship. In 2007, a total of 393 physicians and 81 dentists were registered to practice. There were 41 pharmacists and 2,006 nurses. The total number of beds in the government hospitals is 923 of which 191 are in the obstetrics and gynaecology wards. (Table 4.1-4.2)
12.2.The MOH, in June 2000, launched the National Health Care Plan (2000–2010) which observes the following four principles:
i.Ensuring universal access to better health care;
ii.Enabling equity of access to comprehensive health services;
iii.Promoting partnership and public participation in the concept of co‑production of efficient and effective health services for all; and
iv.Ensuring that the health service system is sustainable within the institutional capacity and financial resources of the MOH.
12.3.The new vision of the MOH is Vision 2035 - “Together Towards A Healthy Nation”. Five strategic themes have been identified as main priority, namely:
•Comprehensive Healthcare System that Emphasises Service Excellence;
•A Nation that Embraces and Practices Healthy Lifestyle;
•Sustainability through Resource Optimisation, Innovation and Excellence;
•Effective Policies and Regulations that Ensure Protection for All; and
•Transparent and Proactive Governance.
12.4.In recognition of the need for the promotion of positive health measures, a multidisciplinary committee has been established. The National Committee on Health Promotion aims to increase public awareness of these problems as well as develop strategies to modify the public’s behaviour in favour of a healthier lifestyle through community participation and inter-sectoral collaboration. The Committee has identified seven priority areas for action: nutrition; food safety; tobacco control; mental health; physical activity; health environments/settings; and women’s health. These priorities are further enforced through the activities of the Health Promotion Centre which was launched in November 2008. Other health promotion activities include the ‘Healthy Mukims’ project involving health education campaigns in villages, the Health-Promoting School project and the Integrated Health Screening and Health Promotion programmed for civil servants.
12.5.In recognition of the need for a comprehensive framework of actions to address current priority health issues, the Health Promotion Blueprint 2011-2015 was launched on 20 April 2011. The Blueprint has four strategic objectives, namely,
i.Establishing and strengthening health in all policies across Government, where relevant public policies will need to be strategically aligned and more inclusive of health and well-being outcomes;
ii.Developing effective, quality and innovative health promotion programmes, particularly to address risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs);
iii.Enhancing inter-sectoral collaboration and partnership between government agencies, NGOs, private sector, civil societies and communities in the implementation of specific initiatives; and
iv.Developing and enhancing skills and competencies in health promotion.
12.6.On 10 July 2011, a National Physical Activity Guideline for Brunei Darussalam was launched, which serves as a policy document to disseminate ways to increase population-wide physical activity level.
12.7.Brunei Darussalam has made remarkable progress in meeting the United Nations MDGs. It has been classified as an early achiever in the MDGs, including most of the health goals with significant reductions in Under-5, prenatal and infant mortality rates as well as for maternal mortality ratio. Improvement in these indicators is a result of rising standards of accessible health services, higher standard of living with improved hygiene and sanitation, improved levels of education and literacy and increasing empowerment of women. The success is also attributed to a comprehensive National Childhood Immunisation Programme that is available free to all children.
12.8.Indicators recorded in 2008 include the following: (Table 4.3 and 4.5)
•The life expectancy at birth for women is 79.8 compared to 76.6 for men
•The maternal mortality rate is 0.0 per 100,000 live births
•The infant mortality rate stands at 7 per thousand live births
•Mortality rate for children under 5 stands at 9.5 per thousand live births
•Total fertility rate is 1.7 per woman but for citizens the rate is 2.5
12.9.Brunei Darussalam continues to be on track and vigilant in combating HIV and AIDS of which the incidence continues to be at a low level. Besides the efforts undertaken by the MOH, the Brunei Darussalam AIDS Council (BDAC), a non‑governmental agency, has also been active in the collaboration of awareness and educational programmes particularly targeting youth and women. (Table 4.4)
12.10.For the past 15 years, there have been no increase in Tuberculosis (TB) prevalence rate and TB death rate is very low. The Government of Brunei Darussalam is fully committed in ensuring that anti-TB drugs supply and Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine are uninterrupted and available. In 1987, the World Health Organization declared Brunei Darussalam ‘Malaria Free’ and Polio-free in 2000.
12.11.There is a comprehensive child immunization programme to protect against vaccine-preventable diseases. Medical advances in vaccines are widely available through the Expanded Programme on Immunization, which is incorporated in the Child Health Services and School Health Services. Infant mortality has fallen as a result of higher standards of living, improved levels of education and literacy, the increasing empowerment of women and rising standards of infant-care services.
12.12.Maternal & Child Health Services
12.12.1.The Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Service in Brunei Darussalam provides quality antenatal and postnatal care, as well as comprehensive health screening for women between the ages of 38-65. The MCH Service is staffed by an all-female personnel and is available in 10 health centres, 10 health clinics, 11 travelling clinics and 5 army medical centres. Remote areas are served by the flying medical team. Health care services and nutritional supplements for pregnant women and postpartum mothers are provided free regardless of citizenship.
12.12.2.More than 99% of women receive antenatal care. Each woman makes about 8 antenatal visits during each pregnancy. More than 99% of deliveries are conducted by trained midwives in hospital settings. Mothers are given postnatal care up to 6 weeks postpartum including home nursing by midwives during the early weeks of the confinement period.
12.12.3.In Brunei Darussalam the term birth spacing is preferable to family planning. Services for birth spacing are provided by the MOH through the MCH and outpatient clinics as well as in hospital setting. Birth spacing services are also available from private medical practitioners. Guidance on reliable and safe methods of birth spacing is provided by medical practitioners on a one-to-one basis.
12.12.4.Leading causes of death for women are similar to those of developed countries (Table 4.6). Special preventive services for women are provided through the Well-Women Clinic which includes screening for breast and cervical cancers, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidaemia and anaemia.
12.12.5.Health education including nutrition and breast feeding is routinely offered in all MCH clinics. Public awareness campaigns are regularly conducted through:-
i.Nationwide health campaigns in conjunction with certain annual commemorative days such as World Health Day, World Breast Feeding Week, World Diabetes Day, World Aids Day. These campaigns include exhibition road shows to various venues in different districts, public talks, television and radio talks as well as printed articles in newspapers and newsletters;
ii.Dissemination of health messages through leaflets and other related publicity materials;
iii.Annual ‘open day’ in health centres with the aim of promoting community participation in healthy life styles. Activities include health screening, health talks and quizzes, aerobics, healthy life style poster displays and dissemination of health information leaflets;
iv.Health talks for specific target groups such as women’s group on an ad-hoc basis;
v.Schedule talks/activities for women organized by relevant hospital department; and
vi.Several steps in promoting awareness amongst women of health problems at the work place had been undertaken through identification of risky work place, industries, inspection of these work place, inviting employees for medical surveillance programmes and educating employees on risks and hazards at the specific work places.
12.12.6.In November 2009, a National Cervical Cancer Prevention and Control Programme was launched. Under this programme, numerous achievements have been made that included:
i.the setting up of the National Pap Smear Registry in February 2011, which facilitates the invitation of women for cervical screening and aims to increase the country’s Pap smear coverage up to 80%;
ii.the launching of the National HPV Vaccination Programme on 16 January 2012. This primary prevention programme is largely delivered through schools and will routinely be offered to young girls in Year 7 of secondary schools (aged 11 to 13). A four-year “catch-up” campaign was also simultaneously started that offers HPV vaccination to older girls in Year 11 (aged 15 to 17); and
iii.complimentary HPV vaccination to all female citizens and permanent residents (outside the target age groups) who wish to be vaccinated. Vaccination for these women is carried out in designated vaccination centres throughout the country.
12.12.7.Following a master plan study on Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital Complex in May to October 2006, women and children were in severe need of expansion to accommodate for the rising public demand and services projection for years 2015-2020. In July 2007, the building of the Women and Children’s Block in RIPAS Hospital Complex was approved in-line with the population’s needs and role of RIPAS Hospital as a secondary as well as a tertiary referral centre of Brunei Darussalam. The mother-baby friendly family-centred Women and Children’s Block is an eleven-floored building consisting of 279 beds and 102 bassinets costing 60 million Brunei Dollars.
12.13.Prevention and Control of AIDS
12.13.1.The MOH strategies for the prevention and control of STIs and AIDS include awareness campaigns provided through:
i.Publicity campaigns in conjunction with the World AIDS Day including exhibitions, road shows, television and radio talks as well as newspapers and newsletters;
ii.Dissemination of health messages through leaflets and other related publicity materials;
iii.One-to-one advice with a doctor in health centres or health clinics; and
iv.Health talks and exhibition for specific target groups such as secondary school students and women groups.
12.13.2.The BDAC, a non-profit NGO works in collaboration with the MOH and the Standard Chartered Bank in enhancing awareness on the prevention of HIV transmission through its educational preventive programmes, road shows, poster and essay competitions and talks to schools and the community namely women, youth groups, uniformed personnel and government officers. It holds an annual seminar to mark the World AIDS Day with talks from invited speakers who are HIV positive.
12.13.3.The BDAC also runs many fund raising activities and provides counselling for family members and those living with HIV. It has an active team of Peer Counsellors. While undergoing treatment, those tested positive are referred by the Medical Social Worker of the government hospital to the BDAC for moral and support.
12.13.4.Another relevant NGO that works closely in AIDS preventive education is the National Anti-Drug Association of Brunei Darussalam (BASMIDA). Formed in 1987, it is an active NGO that works in close collaboration with the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and other educational institutions in anti-drug preventive programmes. It runs various entrepreneurial programmes to help ex-addicts (Rakan BASMIDA) gain employment and lead drug free lives. Such entrepreneurial programmes include car wash, handicrafts and grass cutting businesses. BASMIDA is also a member of the International Federation of NGO for the Prevention of Drugs and Substance Abuse (IFNGO).
13.Article 13: Economic and Social Benefits
13.1.Economic Benefits
13.1.1.Women in Brunei Darussalam have traditionally been active participants in business. Today, women’s participation in the business world has begun to increase and is no longer restricted to trading but also consultancy, architecture, legal practice, manufacturing, aqua-culture and agriculture, general construction and many more. Women business owners have also managed to penetrate international markets and have proven to have business acumen that is on par with our businessmen. They have responded positively to the Government’s call to develop the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) sector as a potential means of diversifying the economy away from oil and gas. Their active involvement is encouraged and nurtured by the Government and the private sector through equal access to the provision of incentives and entrepreneurial support.
13.1.2.The supportive measures include financial assistance schemes, access to info-communication technology, business counselling as well as training in the form of workshops, seminars and consultations. Financial assistance schemes are made available to SMEs through commercial banks. These include the Enterprise Facilitation Scheme, the Micro-Credit Financing Scheme and the Working Capital Credit Fund. The Enterprise Facilitation Scheme has three components – the Entrepreneur Development Scheme, the Enterprise Development Scheme and the Regional Cooperation Project Facilitation Scheme. For the period 2006-2010, 56% and 41% of the loan applicants for Micro-Credit Financing Scheme and Enterprise Facilitation Scheme respectively are women business owners/co-owners, directors/co-directors or managers/co-managers (Table 7.5 - 7.6). The DCD also operates a micro-credit financing scheme for the poor in which 68% of recipients are women (Table 7.4). The National Long-Term Development Plan 2035 also emphasise the need to set up a special fund for women in business.
13.1.3.The Brunei Women Business Council (WBC) was established in 2000 specifically to oversee the economic activities and promote the business development of Bruneian women. Some of the activities coordinated by this WBC are seminars and workshops, trade fairs, business matching and networking particularly with other women entrepreneurs around the world. It also creates strategic partnership with local businesses and the private sectors as a tool to further develop the businesses of its members. It works closely with the DCD to create social entrepreneurship for women who receive welfare assistance to enable them to be financially independent and to supplement their income. Another social entrepreneurship programme is to develop young unemployed youths to learn business skills through training programmes developed by the WBC.
13.2.Access/Ownership to Property
13.2.1.In Brunei Darussalam, there is no restriction for women in gaining ownership right to land and housing. The Government of Brunei Darussalam’s national policy is to provide citizens with house ownership and proper accommodation in a pleasant environment. For the landless, all citizens regardless of gender are eligible for the national housing schemes such as the National Housing Scheme (RPN), Landless Indigenous Citizen Housing Scheme (STKRJ) and Land Entitlement and Infill Scheme (LEIS). In addition, housing schemes are also available under the Brunei Shell Petroleum Housing Loan Scheme and the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Foundation Housing Scheme.
13.2.2.The Government of Brunei Darussalam provides accommodation to its employees at low monthly rental. The Government employees are also encouraged to build their own houses or buy ready built houses through the provision of interest-free housing loans.
13.2.3.The Housing Development Department statistics from year 2000 to 2006 indicates that out of a total of 9,674 applicants for the national housing schemes, 3,630 were women. Brunei citizens have benefitted tremendously through the housing schemes. The schemes do not only provide the houses but also the basic infrastructure or necessities that further improve the standard of life of the people.
13.2.4.Houses for the homeless and needy are provided by a Special Housing Committee under the PMO, in collaboration with the MOD, the Brunei Islamic Religious Council, the DCD and the District Offices. Other agencies such as the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Foundation and the District Offices also provide homes for the homeless. Victims of natural disasters are provided temporary shelter by the National Disaster Management Centre and the DCD.
13.3.Social Benefits
13.3.1.Women have equal access as men to social and welfare benefits. For the poorest households, the MCYS through the DCD and the Brunei Islamic Religious Council provides monthly welfare benefits in cash and in kind namely, monthly subsistence, education allowances, food, housing and other benefits in times of natural disasters. Other agencies such as the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Foundation have their own special aid scheme to help poor school children and orphans. Monthly welfare benefits or financial assistance are given to the needy comprising, among others, of widows, divorcees, orphans and other target groups in crisis. The Government of Brunei Darussalam has also allocated a substantial amount for the funding of school aids for children from poor families.
13.3.2.Welfare benefits under the DCD are in the form of subsistence allowance of BND$200 per month per adult, BND$65 per child and education allowance of BND$65 per month if the child attends school. At least 70% of the total recipients are women.
13.3.3.Provisions of old-age pensions and welfare support for the elderly are designed to provide supplement as a means to protect the elderly from poverty. Brunei citizens and permanent residents who have reached the age of 60 years old and above are eligible for an Old Age Pension of BND$250 per month, regardless of means, in accordance to conditions stipulated under the Old Age and Disability Pensions Act (Cap. 18). Disability allowances are also provided to the disabled at the rate of BND$250 per month. Dependants of the blind and mentally impaired are also provided allowances at the rate of BND$188 for those above the age of 15 and BND$113 for those below the age of 15.
13.3.4.Women participate in recreational activities, sports and cultural life equally as men. In the field of sports, at the sports for excellence level, women representation is 27.4% (Table 7.7). The national sports policy emphasises on the participation of the population in Sports for All and this is supported by all agencies in the public and private sectors, including civil society.
13.4.Sustainable Social Safety Nets
13.4.1.Tabung Amanah Pekerja (TAP) or Employees Trust Fund is a compulsory retirement saving scheme that aims to facilitate savings by Brunei Citizens and permanent residents for their retirement. TAP collects members’ monthly contributions to invest and save them until a certain period of time whereby the members are entitled to make their withdrawals. In order to ensure the gradual growth of the fund and the ability of TAP to provide a competitive dividend to its members, the fund is invested prudently with a view of achieving optimum returns that commensurate with acceptable risks. An additional feature of TAP is that employees can voluntarily decide to increase their respective percentage contributions from their salaries.
13.4.2.The Supplemental Contributory Pension Scheme (SCP) which came into effect on the 1st January 2010, is a defined contribution for all citizens and permanent residents whereby employees and employers, both from the public and private sector, are required to contribute or save a minimum of 3.5% of their salaries equally. The SCP is also extended to those who are working in the informal sector namely the self-employed. It aims to provide a fixed income or minimum monthly annuity to retirees when they reach the new mandatory retirement age of 60 years old.
13.5.Unremunerated Domestic Activities – In response to Recommendation 17
13.5.1Brunei Darussalam, to date, has never carried out such surveys and collected any statistics on it. However, over the recent years, the number of Bruneian women involve in unremunerated domestic activities has declined due to a growing number of women participate in paid employment both in public and private sector.
14.Article 14: Rural Women – In light of recommendation 16
14.1.For census purposes, urban areas in Brunei Darussalam are defined as those areas within municipalities, and those areas outside municipalities which are relatively heavily populated, having urban characteristics and dependent on the town for employment, education and entertainment.
14.2.Almost all parts of Brunei Darussalam are accessible and where there are residents, public utilities and amenities such as piped water, electricity, health and education facilities are provided. As such, the categorisation of women living in such areas as “rural women” may differ. (Table 5.1)
14.3.Since assuming full independence in 1984, Brunei Darussalam has achieved rapid development in enhancing the well-being and high standard of living of the population. This is in line with one of the objectives and the main thrust of Brunei Darussalam’s National Vision 2035, which is to improve the quality of life of the people. Towards achieving the above objectives, Brunei Darussalam has provided enormous allocation for the implementation of projects and programmes related to social development, especially the social service sector which comprises education, medical and health services, and housing. All of these in turn, have contributed to the improvement of the quality of lives of the population and help prevent the incidence of poverty.
14.4.Another sector that is equally important in improving the quality of the lives of people is the public utilities sector, which includes electricity and clean water supply, proper sanitation and drainage and is given 15.79% of the total development budget. These public utilities are not only provided for the urban population but also people in the rural areas. By 2008, the total percentage of population using improved water services had reached 99.9%, while those using adequate sanitation facilities had reached 95% in the urban areas and 65% in the rural areas, thus averaging at 88% nationally. Coverage in electricity supply was at 99.7%. Rapid construction of road networks across the country has also helped the rural population to gain access to public services including employment. With the exception of certain remote areas, these services are available on a limited scale. (Tables 5.2-5.3)
14.5.Schools in the rural areas are accessible by land and water and are equipped with similar facilities provided in urban areas including IT facilities.
14.6.Contribution of unpaid women workers in rural and urban family enterprises – In response to Recommendation 16
14.6.1.The Employment Order 2009 makes provision for such discrimination to be reported. To date, the Labour Department has not received any such report.
14.6.2.The ‘One Village One Product’ (OVOP) project is a community-centred and demand-driven local economic development approach towards the development and promotion of village products in the domestic and international markets. The OVOP project supports the country’s pursuit of economic diversification. The objectives are as follows:
i.To revitalise the culture of self-motivation and self-reliance in the local community through the invention or production of economic goods and services;
ii.To minimise the community’s dependence on the Government’s assistance;
iii.To promote local or grass root community’s enthusiasm and interest in specific endeavours including tourism, industrial, handicraft, agriculture and fishery;
iv.To develop creativity which would preserve and promote the identity of the community; and
v.To nurture harmonious co-existence through communal socio-economic activities.
14.6.3.The OVOP project’s long term objectives are to generate employment opportunities, increase family incomes and improve the standard of living and thus, alleviate poverty.
15.Article 15: Law
15.1.Equality before the Law
15.1.1.In Brunei Darussalam, women are accorded the same legal status as men in civil matters. They have the same rights to enter into contracts, administer property and receive equal treatment in courts. The laws of Brunei Darussalam that provide for such rights to women are as follows:
i.The Married Women Act (Cap. 190) which is applicable for non-Muslims stipulates the rights of a married woman including right to property, right to maintenance, right to civil actions including tort, contract, bankruptcy, and enforcement of judgments and orders, right to legal representation, right to remedies and redress. The recent amendment of the Act in 2010 provides for the protection of family members against domestic violence.
ii.Similarly, according to the Syariah Courts Act (Cap. 184), Muslim women have equal rights to appear before the Court, to sue, be sued, give evidence and be treated equally with men in all legal proceedings of the Courts and tribunals. Islam gives equal rights to women to conclude contracts and administer property and to move freely within the limits prescribed by Syariah Law.
iii.The Employment Order 2009 provides for the contracts and conditions of service, payment of salaries, places of employment, proper accommodation, health and medical care. It also stipulates specifically on the employment of women. It also renders a contract of service to be illegal and not valid if any terms of the contract provide for a condition of service which is less favourable to an employee including female employees.
15.1.2.In addition, the Workmen’s Compensation Act (Cap. 74) provides for the employer’s liability to pay for personal injury by accident arising out of and in the course of the employment caused to a workman including a domestic servant. It covers both male and female workmen.
16.Article 16: Marriage and Family Relations (Tables 6.1 – 6.2) – In response to Recommendation 21
16.1.Rights of Non-Muslim Women
16.1.1.There are several legislations which are enforced in Brunei Darussalam to ensure the protection of rights and welfare of a married woman. These include:
i.The Marriage Act (Cap. 76) which applies to non-Muslims provides for the rights of woman to marry on the basis of free and full consent and the freedom to choose spouse. Otherwise the marriage is considered void.
ii.The Married Women Act (Cap. 190), as mentioned above, stipulates provisions relating to the rights of married women with respect to property, maintenance and civil actions. Pursuant to its amendment in 2010, the Act provides for protection against domestic violence such as causing hurt, compulsion by force or threat, wrongful confinement and causing destruction to property of a family member which includes a wife or a mother.
iii.The Guardianship of Infants Act (Cap. 191) provides for the equal right of a mother to apply to the court in respect of any matter affecting her infant child as that of possessed by the father.
iv.The Adoption of Children Act (Cap. 205) provides that a wife has the same right as that of her husband to jointly adopt a child and to refuse to have their children be adopted.
16.1.2.With regards to the minimum age for marriage, it is provided for under the Marriage Act (Cap. 76) that for marriages other than those contracted according to Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Dayaks or other marriages governed by the laws of Brunei Darussalam to be valid, both parties to the marriage must have reached 14 years of age. For Chinese marriage under the Chinese Marriages Act (Cap. 126), the female must be over 15 years of age for such marriage to be valid and be registered.
16.1.3.Registration of Marriages Act (Cap. 124) governs the registration of marriages solemnized or contracted both within and outside Brunei Darussalam. For the registration of marriages contracted according to established Chinese law or custom, consent of both parties to the registration of such marriage is required as provided for under the Chinese Marriages Act (Cap. 126).
16.1.4.For the purpose of registration of marriage of a non-Muslim below the age of 18 years, the Registration of Marriages Act (Cap. 124) provides that before a marriage solemnized within Brunei and one of the parties neither professed the religion of Islam or Christian can be registered, the parents or one of the parents or natural guardian of the husband or wife who is under 18 years of age have to declare on oath that he or she or they have consented to such marriage unless the registrar is satisfied that it is proper to dispense with it.
16.2.Rights of Muslim Women
16.2.1.The Islamic Family Law Order 2000 governs the Islamic family law in respect of marriage, divorce, maintenance and accommodation of dependants, guardianship of children, division of and partaken in matrimonial property for women after divorce and other matters connected with family life, based on Hukum Syara’. The Order was amended in 2010 to include provisions on the protection of family members against dharar syar’ie or domestic violence such as causing hurt to a family member, compelling by force or threat to engage in any conduct or act from which he or she has the right to abstain and wrongfully confining or restraining a family member against his or her will.
16.2.3.Muslim women have the same right as men to choose a spouse with free consent. Under the Order, it is an offence for any person to use any force, threat or deception to compel a person to marry against his/her will.
16.2.4.The Order also provides for a Muslim woman to dissolve a marriage on the grounds of conflicts between the spouses (Syiqaq), causing violence to wife (dharar syari’e), non-compliance of matrimonial requirements (fasakh), giving right of divorce to woman in marriage contract (taqlik). A woman is entitled to dowry (mahr), consolatory gift (muta’ah) as well as to maintenance during the existence of the marriage and generally during the three months after divorce. A woman is also entitled to her share in the matrimonial property on the basis of the joint matrimonial property (harta sepencarian) at the time of divorce or husband’s death.
16.2.5.The Order also grants priority to mothers to have the right of custody of her children if the mother fulfils the conditions and qualifications imposed by the Order. However, the child is entitled to choose to live with the mother or father once the child reaches the age when he/she is capable to differentiate a matter.
16.2.6.The right of Muslim women to adopt children is protected under the Islamic Adoption of Children Act (Cap. 206).
16.2.7.Muslim women have the same rights as their husbands to dispose of property especially their own property without requiring consent from their husbands. With regards to inheritance, women are not denied of their rights to inheritance even though their share will not be equal to that of men, but it is not absolute. It is opened to the heirs to mutually agree on equal shares. Syariah law also encourages making a will or gift for women. Whatever property a wife possesses or owns absolutely and unconditionally will not be affected by the bankruptcy of the husband according to Syariah law and she cannot be deprived of her property.
16.2.8.According to Section 35 of Islamic Family Law Order 2000, a woman who has attained the age of 16 years (being the age of puberty for a woman) can enter into the contract of her marriage with her own consent and any person who prevents her from such contract shall be guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $2000, imprisonment not exceeding six months or both.
16.2.9.In the effort to further promote awareness of the rights of Muslim women, compulsory pre-marital courses are conducted to make them aware of their rights including the obligation for the husband to provide “nafkah” (maintenance) for children and to retain their own family name. In addition, MORA conducts annual programmes to disseminate information on the rights of Muslim women.
18.Article 18: National Reports
18.1.Reports of States Parties
18.1.1.Challenges affecting the degree of fulfilment of obligations include the following:
i.The need for more sex-disaggregated data and the need for technical support in engendering statistical system – Steps towards this has been undertaken to be incorporated into the 2011 census.
•In light of Recommendation 19, the collection of statistical data at present is based on UN age grouping. Sex disaggregated data is available to a certain extent. The Department of Economic Planning and Development (DEPD) is the national statistics centre and it also works closely with other government agencies on data collection. The DEPD is currently preparing for the 2011 population census which will incorporate more sex-disaggregated data on women including women and girls with disabilities, according to CEDAW.
•The DCD also maintains registers on cases relating to violence against women, wife abuse, protection and rehabilitation and elderly women who have been neglected. The DCD also has a database on all women recipients under the Old Age and Disability Pensions, women with disabilities registered under them including those who are receiving disability allowances under the Old Age and Disability Pensions (Cap. 18) and women who are welfare recipients. (Tables 7.1–7.3). The DCD also maintains registers of all women and girls in the welfare homes (Table 7.11).
•The MOE maintains registers for the enrolment of children in schools and other educational institutions including children with disabilities and special needs children in the school system (Tables 2.12-2.13).
•The RBPF maintains registers of cases handled by them on violence against women (Tables 7.8-7.10). The MOH through its hospitals maintains registers of women with regard to health issues and cases of violence against women and women with disabilities. The NCB maintains registers of women involved with drug abuse and the Prisons Department maintains registers of women inmates.
ii.The need to further enhance capacity building in gender mainstreaming, such as gender responsive budget, gender responsive policy analysis and advocacy. The lack of expertise also contributes in gaining a better understanding of its obligations in ensuring effective implementation of human rights related treaties that it is a State and Signatory party to as well as to facilitate in the consideration of its accession to the various international and regional human rights treaties. Relevant UN bodies have been approached to provide technical assistance, in this regard.
iii.To further educate women on their rights with regard to domestic violence, especially on accessibility to counselling and other forms of assistance and to enhance public awareness and unacceptability of such act – Steps towards increasing awareness continue to be undertaken by all relevant government agencies as well as NGOs.
iv.Protecting the rights of disabled women from a rights-based approach – A draft “Disability Order” is being considered which will protect and promote the rights of disabled persons from a rights-based approach.
19.Article 19: Dispute Settlement and Reservation
19.1.Brunei Darussalam’s reservation on paragraph 1 of Article 29 is made in accordance with paragraph 2 of Article 29, which allows the State Party to declare that it does not consider itself bound by paragraph 1 of the Article.
19.2.Paragraph 1 of Article 29 provides that any dispute concerning the interpretation or application of the Convention which is not settled by negotiation, shall be referred to arbitration, and where there is no agreement on the organisation of the arbitration, the dispute may be referred to the International Court of Justice. The Government of Brunei Darussalam has made a reservation to this paragraph in accordance with paragraph 2 of the same Article.
Conclusion
Brunei Darussalam will remain committed to the development and advancement of women. However, as reflected in Article 18, Brunei Darussalam will continue to make efforts to improve and address the challenges that impede development in the country.
Brunei Darussalam looks forward to working with state parties and the relevant UN bodies in fulfilling the obligation of the convention.
Tables and Charts
1.Population
Table 1.1 Mid-year population estimation by sex, 1990-2010
1990 |
1995 |
2000 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
|
Male |
134 000 |
149 400 |
165 500 |
189 400 |
195 300 |
203 300 |
206 900 |
211 000 |
215 000 |
219 100 |
Female |
119 400 |
137 900 |
159 300 |
170 300 |
174 800 |
179 700 |
183 100 |
187 000 |
191 200 |
195 300 |
Total |
253 400 |
287 300 |
324 800 |
359 700 |
370 100 |
383 000 |
390 000 |
398 000 |
406 200 |
414 400 |
Source: Brunei Darussalam Statistical Yearbook 2010.
Table 1.2 Population by age group and sex, 2007-2010
Age group |
2007 |
2008 |
||||
Male |
Female |
Total |
Male |
Female |
Total |
|
0-4 |
18 600 |
16 300 |
34 900 |
18 800 |
16 400 |
35 200 |
5-9 |
18 900 |
16 100 |
35 000 |
19 300 |
16 400 |
35 700 |
10-14 |
19 100 |
16 100 |
35 200 |
19 100 |
16 200 |
35 300 |
15-19 |
17 800 |
15 700 |
33 500 |
18 300 |
16 000 |
34 300 |
20-24 |
20 200 |
20 200 |
40 400 |
20 900 |
20 600 |
41 500 |
25-29 |
23 000 |
20 900 |
43 900 |
23 400 |
21 200 |
44 600 |
30-34 |
20 800 |
19 000 |
39 800 |
21 100 |
19 200 |
40 300 |
35-39 |
17 800 |
15 900 |
33 700 |
17 700 |
15 800 |
33 500 |
40-44 |
15 900 |
12 000 |
27 900 |
16 100 |
12 200 |
28 300 |
45-49 |
12 100 |
9 800 |
21 900 |
12 200 |
10 200 |
22 400 |
50-54 |
8 200 |
7 300 |
15 500 |
8 700 |
7 800 |
16 500 |
55-59 |
5 200 |
4 800 |
10 000 |
5 700 |
5 200 |
10 900 |
60-64 |
3 000 |
2 800 |
5 800 |
3 200 |
3 100 |
6 300 |
65-69 |
2 500 |
2 500 |
5 000 |
2 500 |
2 600 |
5 100 |
70-74 |
1 700 |
1 600 |
3 300 |
1 600 |
1 900 |
3 500 |
75-79 |
1 200 |
1 100 |
2 300 |
1 300 |
1 200 |
2 500 |
80-84 |
500 |
600 |
1 100 |
600 |
600 |
1 200 |
85 and above |
400 |
400 |
800 |
500 |
400 |
900 |
Total |
206 900 |
183 100 |
390 000 |
398 000 |
211 000 |
187 000 |
Table 1.2 Population by age group and sex, 2007-2010 (continued)
Age group |
2009 |
2010 |
||||
Male |
Female |
Total |
Male |
Female |
Total |
|
0-4 |
18 600 |
16 100 |
34 700 |
19 100 |
16 300 |
35 400 |
5-9 |
19 400 |
16 600 |
36 000 |
19 200 |
16 500 |
35 700 |
10-14 |
19 200 |
16 200 |
35 400 |
19 200 |
16 200 |
35 400 |
15-19 |
18 600 |
16 400 |
35 000 |
18 900 |
16 500 |
35 400 |
20-24 |
21 700 |
21 200 |
42 900 |
22 300 |
21 700 |
44 000 |
25-29 |
24 000 |
21 700 |
45 700 |
24 500 |
22 500 |
47 000 |
30-34 |
21 600 |
19 500 |
41 100 |
22 100 |
20 000 |
42 100 |
35-39 |
18 100 |
16 200 |
34 300 |
18 400 |
16 300 |
34 700 |
40-44 |
16 100 |
12 600 |
28 700 |
16 400 |
12 900 |
29 300 |
45-49 |
12 500 |
10 200 |
22 700 |
12 600 |
10 300 |
22 900 |
50-54 |
9 000 |
8 100 |
17 100 |
9 300 |
8 500 |
17 800 |
55-59 |
6 100 |
5 700 |
11 800 |
6 400 |
6 100 |
12 500 |
60-64 |
3 400 |
3 600 |
7 000 |
3 800 |
4 000 |
7 800 |
65-69 |
2 500 |
2 600 |
5 100 |
2 500 |
2 700 |
5 200 |
70-74 |
1 800 |
2 000 |
3 800 |
1 900 |
2 000 |
3 900 |
75-79 |
1 300 |
1 300 |
2 600 |
1 300 |
1 400 |
2 700 |
80-84 |
600 |
700 |
1 300 |
600 |
700 |
1 300 |
85 and above |
500 |
500 |
1 000 |
600 |
700 |
1 300 |
Total |
215 000 |
191 200 |
406 200 |
219 100 |
195 300 |
414 400 |
Source: Brunei Darussalam Statistical Yearbook 2010.
Table 1.3 Population by race and sex, 2001-2010
Race/Sex |
Malay |
Chinese |
Others |
2001 |
|||
Male |
111 799 |
19 217 |
37 958 |
Female |
110 302 |
17 893 |
35 729 |
2002 |
|||
Male |
115 700 |
20 900 |
44 000 |
Female |
111 600 |
17 800 |
34 200 |
2003 |
|||
Male |
117 200 |
21 200 |
44 100 |
Female |
114 400 |
18 100 |
34 600 |
2004 |
|||
Male |
125 200 |
21 700 |
42 500 |
Female |
114 600 |
18 500 |
37 200 |
2005 |
|||
Male |
129 200 |
22 300 |
43 800 |
Female |
117 700 |
19 100 |
38 000 |
2006 |
|||
Male |
134 500 |
23 100 |
45 700 |
Female |
121 000 |
19 600 |
39 100 |
2007 |
|||
Male |
136 600 |
23 300 |
47 000 |
Female |
123 000 |
19 800 |
40 300 |
2008 |
|||
Male |
139 400 |
23 600 |
48 000 |
Female |
125 700 |
20 100 |
41 200 |
2009 |
|||
Male |
141 500 |
24 000 |
49 500 |
Female |
127 900 |
20 600 |
42 700 |
2010 |
|||
Male |
143 600 |
24 500 |
51 000 |
Female |
130 000 |
20 900 |
44 400 |
Source: Brunei Darussalam Statistical Yearbook 2010.
Table 1.4 Total population by religion and gender
Religion |
Muslim |
Christian |
Buddhist |
Others |
Total |
1981 (Census) |
Total 122 269 |
Total 18 767 |
Total 27 063 |
Total 24 733 |
Total 192 832 |
Female 59 912 |
Female 7 860 |
Female 11 945 |
Female 10 173 |
Female 89 890 |
|
1986 (Survey) |
Total 150 440 |
Total 20 177 |
Total 26 782 |
Total 28 930 |
Total 226 329 |
Female 75 914 |
Female 9 847 |
Female 11 921 |
Female 12 588 |
Female 109 550 |
|
1991 (Census) |
Total 174 973 |
Total 25 994 |
Total 33 387 |
Total 26 128 |
Total 260 482 |
Female 87 066 |
Female 12 254 |
Female 12 472 |
Female 11 074 |
Female 122 866 |
|
2001 (Census) |
Total 249 822 |
Total 31 291 |
Total 28 480 |
Total 23 251 |
Total 332 844 |
Female 124 706 |
Female 16 413 |
Female 12 586 |
Female 10 165 |
Female 163 870 |
Source: Brunei Darussalam Statistical Yearbook.
Table 1.5 Registered live births and deaths , birth and death rates
Age of mother |
1997 |
1998 |
||||
Total |
Male |
Female |
Total |
Male |
Female |
|
Below 15 |
3 |
1 |
2 |
5 |
2 |
3 |
15 -19 |
396 |
191 |
205 |
427 |
216 |
211 |
20-24 |
1 489 |
784 |
705 |
1 462 |
761 |
701 |
25 -29 |
2 341 |
1 239 |
1 102 |
2 277 |
1 182 |
1 095 |
30 -34 |
1 854 |
981 |
873 |
1 878 |
973 |
905 |
35 -39 |
1 069 |
560 |
509 |
1 073 |
541 |
532 |
40 -44 |
288 |
132 |
156 |
264 |
147 |
117 |
45 -49 |
17 |
10 |
7 |
22 |
12 |
10 |
50 & Over |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Not Stated |
1 |
1 |
0 |
3 |
1 |
2 |
Total |
7 459 |
3 899 |
3 560 |
7 411 |
3 835 |
3 576 |
Table 1.5 Registered live births and deaths , birth and death rates (continued)
Age of mother |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
||||||
Total |
Male |
Female |
Total |
Male |
Female |
Total |
Male |
Female |
|
Below 15 |
7 |
4 |
3 |
5 |
3 |
2 |
4 |
2 |
2 |
15 -19 |
387 |
187 |
200 |
339 |
165 |
174 |
357 |
190 |
167 |
20-24 |
1 585 |
819 |
766 |
1 521 |
775 |
746 |
1 477 |
737 |
740 |
25 -29 |
2 125 |
1 072 |
1 053 |
2 156 |
1 105 |
1 051 |
2 152 |
1 119 |
1 033 |
30 -34 |
1 967 |
994 |
973 |
1 835 |
928 |
907 |
1 794 |
935 |
859 |
35 -39 |
1 052 |
560 |
492 |
1 018 |
523 |
495 |
1 066 |
537 |
529 |
40 -44 |
317 |
169 |
148 |
299 |
152 |
147 |
292 |
124 |
168 |
45 -49 |
21 |
12 |
9 |
23 |
12 |
11 |
19 |
8 |
11 |
50 & Over |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Not Stated |
3 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
0 |
3 |
4 |
1 |
3 |
Total |
7 464 |
3 818 |
3 646 |
7 199 |
3 663 |
3 536 |
7 165 |
3 653 |
3 512 |
Table 1.5 Registered live births and deaths, birth and death rates (continued)
Age of mother |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
||||||
Total |
Male |
Female |
Total |
Male |
Female |
Total |
Male |
Female |
|
Below 15 |
4 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
7 |
1 |
6 |
15 -19 |
304 |
165 |
139 |
290 |
139 |
151 |
307 |
159 |
148 |
20 - 24 |
1 367 |
701 |
666 |
1 321 |
701 |
620 |
1 134 |
575 |
559 |
25 - 29 |
2 059 |
1 054 |
1 005 |
2 111 |
1041 |
1070 |
2 094 |
1096 |
998 |
30 - 34 |
1 817 |
942 |
875 |
1 624 |
837 |
787 |
1 689 |
868 |
821 |
35 - 39 |
1 071 |
555 |
516 |
922 |
497 |
425 |
857 |
438 |
419 |
40 - 44 |
295 |
153 |
142 |
241 |
134 |
107 |
205 |
110 |
95 |
45 - 49 |
13 |
9 |
4 |
14 |
12 |
2 |
21 |
10 |
11 |
50 & Over |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Not Stated |
3 |
2 |
1 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Total |
6 933 |
3 583 |
3 350 |
6 526 |
3 363 |
3 163 |
6 314 |
3 257 |
3 057 |
Source: Immigration and National Registration Department.
Table 1.6 Total number of deaths registered by gender , age group and year , 1999-2010
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
|||||||
Age Group |
Total |
Male |
Female |
Total |
Male |
Female |
Total |
Male |
Female |
0- 4 |
58 |
33 |
25 |
77 |
41 |
36 |
65 |
34 |
31 |
5 - 9 |
7 |
3 |
4 |
9 |
5 |
4 |
10 |
8 |
2 |
10 - 14 |
13 |
8 |
5 |
11 |
6 |
5 |
8 |
5 |
3 |
15 -19 |
14 |
7 |
7 |
21 |
16 |
5 |
17 |
10 |
7 |
20 -24 |
16 |
11 |
5 |
25 |
15 |
10 |
24 |
17 |
7 |
25 -29 |
26 |
22 |
4 |
27 |
13 |
14 |
29 |
22 |
7 |
30 -34 |
30 |
23 |
7 |
25 |
18 |
7 |
24 |
15 |
9 |
35 -39 |
30 |
23 |
7 |
33 |
24 |
9 |
40 |
23 |
17 |
40 -44 |
41 |
26 |
15 |
39 |
22 |
17 |
38 |
23 |
15 |
45 -49 |
31 |
14 |
17 |
29 |
19 |
10 |
59 |
44 |
15 |
50 -54 |
49 |
26 |
23 |
51 |
22 |
29 |
60 |
41 |
19 |
55 -59 |
48 |
27 |
21 |
63 |
42 |
21 |
59 |
36 |
23 |
60 -64 |
67 |
35 |
32 |
61 |
34 |
27 |
65 |
37 |
28 |
65- 69 |
94 |
50 |
44 |
108 |
57 |
51 |
111 |
57 |
54 |
70 & Over |
381 |
207 |
174 |
386 |
219 |
167 |
405 |
207 |
198 |
Not Stated |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Total |
905 |
515 |
390 |
965 |
553 |
412 |
1 014 |
579 |
435 |
Table 1.6 Total number of deaths registered by gender , age group and year , 1999-2010 (continued)
Age Group |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
||||||
Total |
Male |
Female |
Total |
Male |
Female |
Total |
Male |
Female |
|
0 |
62 |
27 |
35 |
67 |
34 |
33 |
63 |
35 |
28 |
1- 4 |
13 |
6 |
7 |
16 |
6 |
10 |
7 |
2 |
5 |
5-9 |
5 |
3 |
2 |
8 |
2 |
6 |
12 |
10 |
2 |
10-14 |
13 |
7 |
6 |
12 |
6 |
6 |
10 |
6 |
4 |
15 -19 |
14 |
11 |
3 |
19 |
11 |
8 |
12 |
8 |
4 |
20 -24 |
28 |
24 |
4 |
22 |
17 |
5 |
19 |
14 |
5 |
25 -29 |
16 |
10 |
6 |
19 |
14 |
5 |
21 |
15 |
6 |
30 -34 |
29 |
21 |
8 |
39 |
26 |
13 |
36 |
19 |
17 |
35 -39 |
37 |
17 |
20 |
37 |
24 |
13 |
37 |
20 |
17 |
40 -44 |
53 |
40 |
13 |
48 |
29 |
19 |
47 |
26 |
21 |
45 -49 |
42 |
22 |
20 |
47 |
29 |
18 |
55 |
33 |
22 |
50 -54 |
41 |
23 |
18 |
58 |
31 |
27 |
52 |
31 |
21 |
55 -59 |
63 |
35 |
28 |
48 |
34 |
14 |
62 |
25 |
37 |
60 -64 |
77 |
48 |
29 |
67 |
35 |
32 |
54 |
31 |
23 |
65 -69 |
99 |
47 |
52 |
77 |
44 |
33 |
98 |
55 |
43 |
70 -74 |
115 |
77 |
38 |
120 |
64 |
56 |
124 |
68 |
56 |
75 -79 |
115 |
59 |
56 |
102 |
57 |
45 |
88 |
50 |
38 |
80 -84 |
104 |
54 |
50 |
102 |
55 |
47 |
97 |
54 |
43 |
85 -89 |
54 |
25 |
29 |
49 |
14 |
35 |
50 |
28 |
22 |
90 -94 |
39 |
14 |
25 |
25 |
11 |
14 |
45 |
18 |
27 |
95 -99 |
19 |
12 |
7 |
20 |
12 |
8 |
14 |
8 |
6 |
100 & Over |
3 |
1 |
2 |
8 |
0 |
8 |
7 |
3 |
4 |
Not Stated |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
||||
Total |
1 041 |
583 |
458 |
1 010 |
555 |
455 |
1 010 |
559 |
451 |
Table 1.6 Total number of deaths registered by gender , age group and year , 1999-2010 (continued)
Age Group |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
||||||
Total |
Male |
Female |
Total |
Male |
Female |
Total |
Male |
Female |
|
0 |
51 |
30 |
21 |
43 |
23 |
20 |
48 |
29 |
19 |
1 -4 |
15 |
10 |
5 |
17 |
9 |
8 |
12 |
6 |
6 |
5-9 |
8 |
4 |
4 |
5 |
4 |
1 |
12 |
7 |
5 |
10-14 |
8 |
6 |
2 |
9 |
6 |
3 |
12 |
5 |
7 |
15 -19 |
16 |
7 |
9 |
8 |
8 |
0 |
15 |
10 |
5 |
20 -24 |
32 |
23 |
9 |
22 |
15 |
7 |
24 |
17 |
7 |
25 -29 |
16 |
11 |
5 |
26 |
19 |
7 |
29 |
23 |
6 |
30 -34 |
36 |
22 |
14 |
28 |
17 |
11 |
40 |
31 |
9 |
35 -39 |
48 |
33 |
15 |
40 |
27 |
13 |
36 |
25 |
11 |
40 -44 |
53 |
32 |
21 |
48 |
32 |
16 |
51 |
33 |
18 |
45 -49 |
58 |
41 |
17 |
61 |
37 |
24 |
72 |
45 |
27 |
50 -54 |
53 |
32 |
21 |
79 |
41 |
38 |
63 |
38 |
25 |
55 -59 |
66 |
43 |
23 |
69 |
39 |
30 |
97 |
58 |
39 |
60 -64 |
77 |
46 |
31 |
74 |
47 |
27 |
76 |
44 |
32 |
65 -69 |
114 |
57 |
57 |
105 |
57 |
48 |
90 |
61 |
29 |
70 -74 |
104 |
44 |
60 |
142 |
81 |
61 |
120 |
62 |
58 |
75 -79 |
111 |
66 |
45 |
98 |
50 |
48 |
128 |
74 |
54 |
80 -84 |
87 |
55 |
32 |
86 |
44 |
42 |
116 |
49 |
67 |
85 -89 |
64 |
37 |
27 |
77 |
34 |
43 |
73 |
37 |
36 |
90 -94 |
19 |
6 |
13 |
37 |
15 |
22 |
30 |
18 |
12 |
95 -99 |
25 |
10 |
15 |
18 |
9 |
9 |
17 |
11 |
6 |
100 & Over |
11 |
6 |
5 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
13 |
5 |
8 |
Not Stated |
0 |
0 |
0 |
||||||
Total |
1 072 |
621 |
451 |
1 095 |
616 |
479 |
1 174 |
688 |
486 |
Table 1.6Total number of deaths registered by gender, age group and year, 1999-2010 (continued)
2008 |
2010 |
|||||
Age Group |
Total |
Male |
Female |
Total |
Male |
Female |
0- 4 |
61 |
35 |
26 |
46 |
31 |
15 |
5 - 9 |
6 |
2 |
4 |
9 |
3 |
6 |
10 - 14 |
5 |
1 |
4 |
7 |
5 |
2 |
15- 19 |
13 |
7 |
6 |
10 |
6 |
4 |
20- 24 |
20 |
13 |
7 |
26 |
16 |
10 |
25- 29 |
25 |
22 |
3 |
18 |
11 |
7 |
30- 34 |
29 |
19 |
10 |
30 |
19 |
11 |
35- 39 |
38 |
23 |
15 |
37 |
26 |
11 |
40- 44 |
45 |
32 |
13 |
51 |
29 |
22 |
45- 49 |
73 |
43 |
30 |
49 |
28 |
21 |
50- 54 |
69 |
47 |
22 |
70 |
46 |
24 |
55- 59 |
73 |
38 |
35 |
101 |
60 |
41 |
60- 64 |
63 |
36 |
27 |
90 |
57 |
33 |
65- 69 |
105 |
59 |
46 |
102 |
54 |
48 |
70 and above |
466 |
259 |
207 |
562 |
279 |
283 |
Total |
1 091 |
636 |
455 |
1 208 |
670 |
538 |
Source: Immigration and National Registration Department, Ministry of Home Affairs.
2.Education
Table 2.1Number of teacher by level of education and gender, 2001-2010
Year |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
Kindergarten (1) |
|||||
Total |
– |
– |
– |
– |
701 |
Male |
– |
– |
– |
– |
24 |
Female |
– |
– |
– |
– |
677 |
Primary/ Preparatory (2) |
|||||
Total |
3 752 |
4 270 |
4 828 |
4 832 |
4 548 |
Male |
1 077 |
1 142 |
1 296 |
1 190 |
1 311 |
Female |
2 675 |
3 128 |
3 532 |
3 642 |
3 237 |
Secondary |
|||||
Total |
2 742 |
2 831 |
2 753 |
3 527 |
3 733 |
Male |
1 213 |
1 255 |
1 123 |
1 412 |
1 429 |
Female |
1 529 |
1 576 |
1 630 |
2 115 |
2 304 |
Sixth Form (3) |
|||||
Total |
155 |
179 |
160 |
167 |
174 |
Male |
82 |
63 |
80 |
79 |
78 |
Female |
73 |
116 |
80 |
88 |
96 |
Nursing/Technical / Vocational |
|||||
Total |
505 |
515 |
501 |
496 |
502 |
Male |
333 |
322 |
304 |
293 |
291 |
Female |
172 |
193 |
197 |
203 |
211 |
Teacher Training |
|||||
Total |
51 |
39 |
37 |
43 |
45 |
Male |
24 |
18 |
17 |
23 |
23 |
Female |
27 |
21 |
20 |
20 |
22 |
Institute |
|||||
Total |
83 |
82 |
89 |
99 |
111 |
Male |
68 |
68 |
72 |
79 |
76 |
Female |
15 |
14 |
17 |
20 |
35 |
University |
|||||
Total |
320 |
303 |
303 |
370 |
377 |
Male |
237 |
219 |
214 |
249 |
249 |
Female |
83 |
84 |
89 |
121 |
128 |
Grand Total |
|||||
Total (4) |
7 608 |
8 219 |
8 671 |
9 534 |
10 191 |
Male |
3 034 |
3 087 |
3 106 |
3 325 |
3 481 |
Female |
4 574 |
5 132 |
5 565 |
6 209 |
6 710 |
Source: Ministry of Education.
Note:
(1) Included in Primary and Secondary levels.
(2) All kindergarten and Secondary teachers of Non-Government Schools are combined with the total of Primary level teachers.
(3) Sixth Form Teachers who taught in schools/colleges that conducting Secondary and Sixth Form levels\are already included in the total number of Secondary Level teachers.
(4) Does not include teachers teaching under the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
Table 2.1Number of teacher by level of education and gender, 2001-2010 (continued)
Year |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
Kindergarten/Pre - School |
|||||
Total |
690 |
622 |
678 |
596 |
666 |
Male |
29 |
19 |
19 |
20 |
20 |
Female |
661 |
603 |
659 |
576 |
646 |
Primary/Preparatory |
|||||
Total |
3 683 |
3 628 |
3 554 |
3 739 |
3 896 |
Male |
981 |
949 |
904 |
903 |
938 |
Female |
2 702 |
2 679 |
2 650 |
2 836 |
2 958 |
Secondary/Sixth Form (Pre - University) |
|||||
Total |
3 769 |
3 800 |
3 977 |
4 095 |
4 375 |
Male |
1 446 |
1 421 |
1 431 |
1 423 |
1 472 |
Female |
2 323 |
2 379 |
2 546 |
2 672 |
2 903 |
Technical/Vocational |
|||||
Total |
486 |
474 |
503 |
506 |
533 |
Male |
290 |
289 |
293 |
270 |
268 |
Female |
196 |
185 |
210 |
236 |
265 |
Nursing (1) |
|||||
Total |
60 |
62 |
60 |
– |
– |
Male |
13 |
15 |
12 |
– |
– |
Female |
47 |
47 |
48 |
– |
– |
Teacher Training (2) |
|||||
Total |
43 |
38 |
– |
– |
– |
Male |
21 |
18 |
– |
– |
– |
Female |
22 |
20 |
– |
– |
– |
Institute (3) |
|||||
Total |
102 |
110 |
102 |
– |
– |
Male |
72 |
75 |
69 |
– |
– |
Female |
30 |
35 |
33 |
– |
– |
University |
|||||
Total |
405 |
439 |
533 |
638 |
692 |
Male |
264 |
264 |
321 |
268 |
379 |
Female |
1421 |
175 |
212 |
270 |
313 |
Grand Total |
|||||
Total |
9 238 |
9 173 |
9 407 |
9 574 |
10 162 |
Male |
3 116 |
3 050 |
3 049 |
2 984 |
3 077 |
Female |
6 122 |
6 123 |
6 358 |
6 590 |
7 085 |
Source: Ministry of Education.
Note:
(1) Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah College of Nursing was merged to University of Brunei Darussalam in the year 2009.
(2) Religious Teachers College of Seri Begawan has been upgraded to Religious Teachers University College in the year 2007.
(3) Brunei Institute of Technology has been upgraded to University in the year 2008.
Table 2.2Number of student by level of education and gender, 2001-2010
Year |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
Kind ergarten /Pre-School |
|||||
Total |
11 656 |
13 097 |
12 595 |
13 014 |
12 999 |
Male |
5 989 |
6 703 |
6 592 |
6 689 |
6 651 |
Female |
5 667 |
6 394 |
6 003 |
6 325 |
6 348 |
Primary/ Preparatory |
|||||
Total |
44 487 |
46 555 |
46 242 |
46 382 |
46 012 |
Male |
23 300 |
24 285 |
24 011 |
24 183 |
23 983 |
Female |
21 187 |
22 270 |
22 231 |
22 199 |
22 029 |
Secondary |
|||||
Total |
32 252 |
33 719 |
34 632 |
35 838 |
37 022 |
Male |
16 198 |
17 221 |
17 698 |
18 374 |
19 196 |
Female |
16 054 |
16 497 |
16 934 |
17 464 |
17 826 |
Sixth Form (Pre-University) |
|||||
Total |
2 404 |
2 912 |
3 111 |
3 715 |
4 085 |
Male |
968 |
1 110 |
1 215 |
1 547 |
1 643 |
Female |
1 436 |
1 802 |
1 896 |
2 168 |
2 442 |
Technical/ Vocational |
|||||
Total |
2 631 |
2 553 |
2 780 |
3 105 |
3 180 |
Male |
1 502 |
1 433 |
1 505 |
1 684 |
1 710 |
Female |
1 129 |
1 120 |
1 275 |
1 421 |
1 470 |
Teacher Training |
|||||
Total |
247 |
206 |
244 |
315 |
406 |
Male |
115 |
111 |
132 |
162 |
199 |
Female |
132 |
95 |
112 |
153 |
207 |
Institute |
|||||
Total |
516 |
298 |
360 |
480 |
568 |
Male |
259 |
152 |
198 |
246 |
270 |
Female |
257 |
146 |
162 |
234 |
298 |
University |
|||||
Total |
3 314 |
3 422 |
3 445 |
3 634 |
3 674 |
Male |
1209 |
1 238 |
1 157 |
1 151 |
1 137 |
Female |
2 105 |
2 184 |
2 288 |
2 483 |
2 537 |
Grand Total |
|||||
Total |
97 507 |
102 762 |
103 409 |
106 483 |
107 946 |
Male |
49 540 |
52 253 |
52 508 |
54 036 |
54 789 |
Female |
47 967 |
50 508 |
50 901 |
52 447 |
53 157 |
Table 2.2Number of student by level of education and gender, 2001-2010 (continued)
Year |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
Kindergarten/Pre-School |
|||||
Total |
12 692 |
12 953 |
12 777 |
13 009 |
13 078 |
Male |
6 540 |
6 564 |
6 489 |
6 629 |
6 721 |
Female |
6 152 |
6 389 |
6 288 |
6 380 |
6 357 |
Primary/Preparatory |
|||||
Total |
46 085 |
45 972 |
45 125 |
44 681 |
44 215 |
Male |
24 105 |
24 055 |
23 515 |
23 190 |
22 860 |
Female |
21 980 |
21 917 |
21 610 |
21 491 |
21 355 |
Secondary |
|||||
Total |
38 568 |
38 551 |
38 690 |
39 484 |
39 844 |
Male |
19 992 |
19 921 |
20 163 |
20 632 |
20 849 |
Female |
18 576 |
18 630 |
18 527 |
18 852 |
18 995 |
Sixth Form (Pre-University) |
|||||
Total |
4 435 |
4 737 |
5 138 |
5 440 |
5 482 |
Male |
1 775 |
1 954 |
2 097 |
2 257 |
2 288 |
Female |
2 660 |
2 783 |
3 041 |
3 183 |
3 194 |
Technical/ Vocational |
|||||
Total |
2 880 |
2 885 |
2 998 |
3 195 |
3 398 |
Male |
1 678 |
1 754 |
1 796 |
1 884 |
1 916 |
Female |
1 202 |
1 131 |
1 202 |
1 311 |
1 482 |
Nursing |
|||||
Total |
297 |
323 |
408 |
– |
– |
Male |
56 |
74 |
93 |
– |
– |
Female |
241 |
249 |
315 |
– |
– |
Teacher Training |
|||||
Total |
417 |
435 |
– |
– |
– |
Male |
186 |
183 |
– |
– |
– |
Female |
231 |
252 |
– |
– |
– |
Institute |
|||||
Total |
668 |
736 |
777 |
– |
– |
Male |
333 |
389 |
372 |
– |
– |
Female |
335 |
347 |
405 |
– |
– |
University |
|||||
Total |
3 740 |
3 821 |
4 458 |
6 180 |
5 903 |
Male |
1 168 |
1 243 |
1 482 |
2 330 |
2 177 |
Female |
2 572 |
2 578 |
2 976 |
3 850 |
3 726 |
Grand Total |
|||||
Total |
109 782 |
110 413 |
110 371 |
111 989 |
111 920 |
Male |
55 833 |
56 137 |
56 007 |
56 922 |
56 811 |
Female |
53 949 |
54 276 |
54 364 |
55 067 |
55 109 |
Source: Ministry of Education.
Note:
(1) Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah College of Nursing was merged to University of Brunei Darussalam in the year 2009.
(2) Religious Teachers College of Seri Begawan has been upgraded to Religious Teachers University College in the year 2007.
(3) Brunei Institute of Technology has been upgraded to University in the year 2008.
Table 2.3Other female educational statistics, 2006-2007
Year |
2006 |
2007 |
Adult Education |
5 902 |
4 684 |
Number of passes in public examination (PSR, OMB, o – level, a – level, SSSRU, SPUB and STPUB): in brackets are number of female candidates |
(15 203) |
(15 135) |
12 173 |
12 838 |
Source: Ministry of Education.
Table 2.4Male students per 100 female students, 2006-2008
Year |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
Nursery |
100 |
93 |
106 |
Pre- school/kindergarten |
107 |
104 |
103 |
Primary |
110 |
110 |
109 |
Secondary |
108 |
107 |
109 |
Sixth form |
67 |
70 |
69 |
Technical/vocational |
140 |
155 |
149 |
Nursing |
23 |
30 |
30 |
Religious teacher’s college (college university) |
81 |
73 |
73 |
Institute |
99 |
112 |
91 |
University |
45 |
48 |
48 |
Source: Ministry of Education.
Table 2.5Universiti Brunei Darussalam enrolment in 2004, 2008 & 2009
2004 |
2008 |
2009 |
|||||||
Programme |
Total |
Male |
Female |
Total |
Male |
Female |
Total |
Male |
Female |
Post graduate diploma & certificate/Diploma & Certificate |
1 103 |
352 |
751 |
454 |
142 |
312 |
431 |
105 |
326 |
Non graduating |
10 |
4 |
6 |
24 |
13 |
11 |
48 |
28 |
20 |
Undergraduate |
657 |
225 |
432 |
659 |
184 |
475 |
721 |
208 |
513 |
Post graduate |
54 |
22 |
32 |
54 |
16 |
38 |
87 |
26 |
61 |
Source: Brunei Darussalam Statistical Yearbook.
Table 2.6Enrolment by programme at Universiti Brunei Darussalam 2004/2005
Programme |
Male |
Female |
Total |
Arts And Social Sciences |
70 |
252 |
322 |
Brunei Studies |
38 |
54 |
92 |
Institute Of Education |
831 |
2 090 |
2 921 |
Business, Economics And Policy Studies |
223 |
326 |
549 |
Islamic Studies |
211 |
256 |
467 |
Sciences |
162 |
216 |
378 |
Total |
1 535 |
3 124 |
4 729 |
Source: Brunei Darussalam Statistical Yearbook 2005.
Table 2.6Enrolment by programme at Universiti Brunei Darussalam 2008/2009 (Continued)
Programme |
Male |
Female |
Total |
Arts And Social Sciences |
124 |
291 |
415 |
Brunei Studies |
63 |
118 |
181 |
Institute Of Education |
583 |
1 497 |
2 080 |
Business, Economics And Policy Studies |
157 |
294 |
451 |
Islamic Studies |
71 |
113 |
184 |
Sciences |
125 |
167 |
292 |
Centre for Islamic Banking, Finance and Management |
10 |
17 |
27 |
Medicine |
33 |
39 |
72 |
Total |
1 166 |
2 536 |
3 702 |
Source: Brunei Darussalam Statistical Yearbook 2008.
Table 2.6Enrolment by programme at Universiti Brunei Darussalam 2009/2010 (Continued)
Programme |
Male |
Female |
Total |
Arts And Social Sciences |
240 |
524 |
764 |
Institute Of Education |
425 |
971 |
1 396 |
Business, Economics And Policy Studies |
171 |
314 |
485 |
Science |
144 |
204 |
348 |
Total |
980 |
2 013 |
2 993 |
Source: Brunei Darussalam Statistical Yearbook 2010.
Table 2.7Graduates by programme from Institute Technology Brunei (ITB), 2003-2010
Year |
2003 |
2004 |
||
Programme |
Male |
Female |
Male |
Female |
HND Information System |
4 |
10 |
6 |
8 |
HND Computing |
7 |
11 |
14 |
8 |
HND Business and Finance |
14 |
14 |
21 |
35 |
HND Civil Engineering |
8 |
4 |
15 |
10 |
HND Communications and Computer System Engineering |
12 |
6 |
20 |
15 |
HND Electrical Power and Building Services Engineering |
7 |
3 |
10 |
3 |
HND Mechanical Engineering |
15 |
8 |
11 |
7 |
Total |
67 |
56 |
97 |
86 |
Source: Brunei Darussalam Statistical Yearbook 2005.
Table 2.7Graduates by programme from Brunei Institute Technology Brunei (ITB), 2003-2010 (continued)
Year |
2007 |
2008 |
||
Programme |
Male |
Female |
Male |
Female |
HND Information System |
17 |
10 |
8 |
20 |
HND Computing |
17 |
19 |
11 |
29 |
HND Business and Finance |
40 |
44 |
28 |
41 |
HND Civil Engineering |
29 |
17 |
24 |
23 |
HND Communications and Computer System Engineering |
26 |
14 |
22 |
11 |
HND Electrical Power and Building Services Engineering |
15 |
3 |
4 |
3 |
HND Mechanical Engineering |
23 |
9 |
27 |
7 |
HND in Construction Engineering and Management |
8 |
3 |
6 |
6 |
Total |
175 |
119 |
270 |
140 |
Source: Brunei Darussalam Statistical Yearbook 2008.
Table 2.7Graduates by programme from Brunei Institute Technology Brunei (ITB), 2003-2010 (continued)
Year |
2009 |
2010 |
||
Programme |
Male |
Female |
Male |
Female |
HND Information System |
13 |
16 |
13 |
16 |
HND Computing |
13 |
25 |
12 |
25 |
HND Internet and Multimedia Development |
9 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
HND Business and Finance |
35 |
56 |
34 |
57 |
HND Civil Engineering |
19 |
18 |
19 |
18 |
HND Communications and Computer System Engineering |
19 |
11 |
19 |
11 |
HND Electrical Power and Building Services Engineering |
16 |
5 |
16 |
5 |
HND Mechanical Engineering |
14 |
20 |
14 |
20 |
HND Network Engineering |
– |
– |
14 |
6 |
HND in Construction Engineering and Management |
6 |
4 |
6 |
4 |
Total |
144 |
165 |
157 |
172 |
Source: Brunei Darussalam Statistical Yearbook 2010.
Table 2.8Number of schools, teachers and students by type of Schools under Ministry of Religious Affairs, 2001-2009
Schools/Teachers/Students |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
Total Schools |
|||||
Religious Schools |
134 |
145 |
145 |
160 |
144 |
Arabic Schools |
6 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
7 |
Tahfiz Al - Quran Sultan Hj Hassanal Bolkiah Institute |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Total Teachers |
|||||
Religious Schools |
1 736 |
1 864 |
1 834 |
1 731 |
826 |
Arabic School |
284 |
303 |
294 |
317 |
308 |
Tahfiz Al - Quran Sultan Hj Hassanal Bolkiah Institute |
46 |
53 |
57 |
60 |
69 |
Total Students |
|||||
Religious Schools |
37 034 |
37 686 |
39 091 |
35 941 |
14 880 |
Arabic Schools |
2 095 |
1 289 |
1 821 |
1 776 |
1 791 |
Tahfiz Al - Quran Sultan Hj Hassanal Bolkiah Institute |
182 |
174 |
189 |
198 |
197 |
Table 2.8Number of schools, teachers and students by type of Schools Under Ministry of Religious Affairs, 2001-2009 (continued)
Schools/Teachers/Students |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
Total Schools |
||||
Religious Schools |
159 |
164 |
163 |
159 |
Arabic Schools |
7 |
7 |
7 |
7 |
Tahfiz Al - Quran Sultan Hj Hassanal Bolkiah Institute |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
Total Teachers |
||||
Religious Schools |
2 144 |
2 060 |
2 048 |
2 184 |
Arabic Schools |
295 |
321 |
324 |
369 |
Tahfiz Al - Quran Sultan Hj Hassanal Bolkiah Institute |
58 |
61 |
61 |
64 |
Total Students |
||||
Religious Schools |
38 016 |
40 564 |
40 486 |
40 593 |
Arabic Schools |
1 847 |
1 804 |
1 849 |
2 015 |
Tahfiz Al - Quran Sultan Hj Hassanal Bolkiah Institute |
182 |
180 |
168 |
187 |
Source: Ministry of Religious Affairs.
Table 2.9Number of students and teachers in Institute Hassanal Bolkiah Tahfiz Al-Quran, 2000-2009
Year |
||||||||||
Description |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
Number of students |
137 |
182 |
174 |
189 |
198 |
197 |
182 |
180 |
168 |
187 |
Male |
94 |
102 |
88 |
100 |
101 |
99 |
96 |
96 |
82 |
100 |
Female |
43 |
80 |
86 |
89 |
97 |
98 |
86 |
84 |
86 |
87 |
Number of teachers |
44 |
46 |
53 |
57 |
60 |
69 |
58 |
61 |
61 |
64 |
Male |
34 |
32 |
35 |
39 |
36 |
44 |
34 |
32 |
34 |
33 |
Female |
10 |
14 |
18 |
18 |
24 |
25 |
24 |
29 |
27 |
31 |
Source: Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Tahfiz Al-Quran Institute.
Table 2.10Literacy rate aged 9 and above
(percentage)
Year |
Total |
Male |
Female |
1981 |
80.3 |
86.3 |
73.3 |
1991 |
89.2 |
93.1 |
84.7 |
2001 |
97.7 |
96.8 |
92.5 |
2007 |
94.9 (aged 15 and above) |
Source: Ministry of Education.
Table 2.11Percentage of female education officers from Ministry Of Education on in-service training, 2008
Overseas |
Total |
Female |
Male |
176 |
98 |
78 |
|
100% |
55.68% |
44.32% |
|
In Country |
Total |
Female |
Male |
333 |
212 |
||
100% |
63.66% |
Source: Ministry of Education.
Table 2.12Statistic of students referred to special education unit, 2004-2009 (Excluding case closed)
Year |
1997-2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
Total |
|
No . of students by ... |
Total Referred |
511 |
278 |
342 |
367 |
320 |
307 |
146 |
2 271 |
Gender |
Male |
338 |
194 |
228 |
262 |
224 |
222 |
109 |
1 577 |
Female |
173 |
84 |
114 |
105 |
96 |
85 |
37 |
694 |
Source: Ministry of Education.
Table 2.13Statistic of students referred to special education unit, 2004-2009 (Including case closed)
Year |
1997-2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
Total |
|
No . of students by ... |
Total Referred |
1 355 |
278 |
342 |
367 |
320 |
307 |
146 |
3 115 |
Gender |
Male |
911 |
194 |
228 |
262 |
224 |
222 |
109 |
2 150 |
Female |
444 |
84 |
114 |
105 |
96 |
85 |
37 |
965 |
Source: Ministry of Education.
Table 2.14Number of students, teachers and Arabic schools under the Ministry of Religious Affairs, 2000-2009
Year |
||||||||||
Description |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
Number of students |
2 436 |
2 095 |
1 289 |
1 821 |
1 776 |
1 791 |
1 847 |
1 804 |
1 849 |
2 015 |
Male |
1 357 |
1 066 |
613 |
889 |
859 |
899 |
899 |
863 |
814 |
871 |
Female |
1 079 |
1 029 |
676 |
932 |
917 |
892 |
948 |
941 |
1 035 |
1 144 |
Number of teachers |
282 |
284 |
303 |
294 |
317 |
308 |
295 |
321 |
324 |
369 |
Male |
108 |
102 |
115 |
114 |
114 |
110 |
103 |
112 |
101 |
131 |
Female |
174 |
182 |
188 |
180 |
203 |
198 |
192 |
209 |
223 |
238 |
Number of schools |
6 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
7 |
7 |
7 |
7 |
7 |
Source: Department of Islamic Education.
Table 2.15Number of enrolment at Seri Begawan religious teachers University College, 2007-2009
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
|||||||
Programme |
Male |
Female |
Total |
Male |
Female |
Total |
Male |
Female |
Total |
Bachelor of Religious Teaching Usuluddin |
15 |
13 |
28 |
11 |
16 |
27 |
15 |
12 |
27 |
Bachelor of Religious Teaching Syariah |
12 |
17 |
29 |
13 |
21 |
34 |
16 |
24 |
40 |
Religious Teaching Higher Diploma Usuludin |
7 |
6 |
13 |
4 |
9 |
13 |
10 |
6 |
16 |
Religious Teaching Higher Diploma Syariah |
9 |
8 |
17 |
9 |
8 |
17 |
11 |
22 |
33 |
Religious Teaching Diploma Usuluddin |
14 |
16 |
30 |
10 |
18 |
28 |
9 |
13 |
22 |
Religious Teaching Diploma Syariah |
6 |
22 |
28 |
5 |
19 |
24 |
7 |
8 |
15 |
Religious Teaching Post-Graduate Diploma |
9 |
16 |
25 |
8 |
21 |
29 |
29 |
41 |
70 |
Total |
170 |
172 |
223 |
Source: Ministry of Religious Affairs.
Table 2.16Number of enrolment at Seri Begawan religious teachers University College, 2000-2006
Entry year |
Enrolment |
||
Male |
Female |
Total |
|
2000 |
29 |
20 |
49 |
2001 |
35 |
23 |
58 |
2002 |
66 |
68 |
134 |
2003 |
55 |
60 |
115 |
2004 |
76 |
79 |
155 |
2005 |
55 |
83 |
138 |
2006 |
53 |
65 |
118 |
Source: Ministry of Religious Affairs.
Table 2.17In-service training of civil servants overseas, 2006-2009
Gender |
||||
Year |
Male |
Female |
Total |
|
2006 |
118 |
166 |
58.5% |
284 |
2007 |
160 |
130 |
44.8% |
290 |
2008 |
133 |
159 |
54.4% |
292 |
2009 |
127 |
182 |
58.9% |
309 |
Source: Department of Public Service.
Table 2.18In-service training of civil servants in-country, 2006-2009
Gender |
||||
Year |
Male |
Female |
Total |
|
2006 |
162 |
406 |
71.4% |
568 |
2007 |
206 |
426 |
67.4% |
632 |
2008 |
194 |
336 |
63.3% |
530 |
2009 |
156 |
209 |
57.2% |
365 |
Source: Department of Public Service.
3.Employment
Table 3.1
Labour force estimate, 2004-2010
Labour Force |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
Total labour force |
167 200 |
174 500 |
181 700 |
184 800 |
188 800 |
194 800 |
198 800 |
Male |
100 500 |
104 600 |
109 900 |
111 800 |
114 400 |
117 000 |
121 200 |
Female |
66 700 |
69 900 |
71 800 |
73 000 |
74 400 |
77 800 |
77 600 |
Total employed force |
161 400 |
167 300 |
174 400 |
178 500 |
181 800 |
188 000 |
193 500 |
Male |
97 900 |
101 600 |
106 700 |
109 100 |
111 200 |
114 000 |
118 800 |
Female |
63 500 |
65 700 |
67 700 |
69 400 |
70 600 |
74 000 |
74 700 |
Total unemployed |
5 800 |
7 200 |
7 300 |
6 300 |
7 000 |
6 800 |
5 300 |
Male |
2 600 |
3 000 |
3 200 |
2 700 |
3 200 |
3 000 |
2 400 |
Female |
3 200 |
4 200 |
4 100 |
3 600 |
3 800 |
3 800 |
2 900 |
Total participation rate |
67.9 |
68.3 |
68.4 |
67.8 |
67.8 |
68.2 |
68.0 |
Male |
77.8 |
78 |
78.2 |
77.6 |
77.7 |
77.4 |
76.4 |
Female |
56.9 |
57.6 |
57.3 |
56.9 |
56.7 |
57.5 |
58.0 |
Total unemployment rate |
3.5 |
4.1 |
4 |
3.4 |
3.7 |
3.5 |
2.7 |
Source: Brunei Darussalam Statistical Yearbook 2010.
Table 3.2
Labour force aged 15 years and above
1981 |
1986 |
1991 |
1995 |
2001 |
|
Labour Force |
(Census) |
(Survey) |
(Census) |
(Survey) |
(Census) |
Total labour force |
70 690 |
86 395 |
111 955 |
122 839 |
157 594 |
Male |
53 859 |
59 892 |
75 083 |
71 627 |
92 554 |
Female |
16 831 |
26 503 |
36 872 |
51 212 |
65 040 |
Total employed force |
68 128 |
81 104 |
106 746 |
116 780 |
146 254 |
Male |
52 737 |
57 215 |
72 338 |
69 121 |
85 820 |
Female |
15 391 |
23 889 |
34 408 |
47 659 |
60 434 |
Total unemployed |
2 562 |
5 291 |
5 209 |
6 059 |
11 340 |
Male |
1 122 |
2 677 |
2 745 |
2 506 |
6 734 |
Female |
1 440 |
2 614 |
2 464 |
3 553 |
4 606 |
Total participation rate |
59.6 |
60.3 |
65.6 |
66.5 |
67.9 |
Male |
83.1 |
80.0 |
82.2 |
79.3 |
79.3 |
Female |
31.3 |
38.7 |
46.4 |
54.2 |
56.4 |
Unemployment rate |
3.6 |
3.7 |
4.7 |
4.9 |
7.2 |
Source: Brunei Darussalam Statistical Yearbook 2008.
Table 3.3
Employment by economic activity, population census 2001
Economic Activity |
Total |
Male |
Female |
Employer |
1 569 |
1 111 |
458 |
Employee |
140 433 |
81 721 |
58 712 |
Own Account Worker |
3 620 |
2 737 |
883 |
Family Worker |
632 |
251 |
381 |
Unemployed |
11 340 |
6 734 |
4 606 |
Economically Active |
157 594 |
92 554 |
65 040 |
Others |
8 374 |
4 631 |
3 743 |
Not Economically Active |
65 964 |
19 485 |
46 479 |
Total |
231 932 |
116 670 |
115 262 |
Source: Brunei Darussalam Statistical Yearbook 2008.
Table 3.4
Working population by major occupational groups and sex, population census 2001
Major Occupations |
Total |
Male |
Female |
Legislators, administrators and managers |
6 241 |
4 622 |
1 619 |
Professionals |
8 764 |
5 358 |
3 406 |
Technicians and associate professionals |
19 168 |
10 071 |
9 097 |
Clerical workers |
16 184 |
5 514 |
10 670 |
Service workers and shop, marketing and sales workers |
27 609 |
19 718 |
7 891 |
Skilled agricultural and fishery workers |
1 276 |
1 084 |
192 |
Craft and related trade workers |
20 950 |
16 062 |
4 888 |
Plant and machine operators and assemblers |
7 189 |
6 783 |
406 |
Elementary occupation (cleaners, labourers and related workers) |
38 583 |
16 392 |
22 191 |
Workers not classified by occupation |
290 |
216 |
74 |
Total |
146 254 |
85 820 |
60 434 |
Source: Brunei Darussalam Statistical Yearbook 2008.
Table 3.5
Working population in private sector by major industry group and sex, 2008-2009
2008 |
2009 |
|||||
Industry |
Total |
Male |
Female |
Total |
Male |
Female |
Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing |
5 372 |
4 664 |
708 |
4 955 |
4 335 |
620 |
Production Of Oil and Liquefied Natural Gas |
5 560 |
4 495 |
1 065 |
6 154 |
4 925 |
1 229 |
Sawmilling and Timber Processing |
692 |
608 |
84 |
796 |
697 |
99 |
Other Mining, Quarrying and Manufacturing |
17 170 |
10 002 |
7 168 |
13 020 |
8 129 |
4 891 |
Construction |
36 118 |
33 996 |
2 122 |
33 591 |
31 629 |
1 962 |
Wholesale And Retail Trade |
20 442 |
12 450 |
7 992 |
21 091 |
12 853 |
8 238 |
Coffee Shop, Restaurant and Hotels |
12 107 |
6 281 |
5 826 |
11 934 |
6 287 |
5 647 |
Transport, Storage and Communications |
6 270 |
4 810 |
1 460 |
6 106 |
4 718 |
1 388 |
Financial, Insurance and Business Services |
9 937 |
5 945 |
3 992 |
9 728 |
5 859 |
3 869 |
Other Community, Social and Personal Service Activities |
13 742 |
8 396 |
5 346 |
13 783 |
8 272 |
5 511 |
Total |
127 410 |
91 647 |
35 763 |
121 158 |
87 704 |
33 454 |
Source: Brunei Darussalam Statistical Yearbook 2010.
Table 3.6
Government employees by sex, 2000-2010
Year |
Male |
Female |
Total |
2000 |
N/A |
N/A |
39 704 |
2001 |
N/A |
N/A |
39 671 |
2002 |
N/A |
N/A |
41 066 |
2003 |
22 091 |
19 695 |
41 786 |
2004 |
22 103 |
20 088 |
42 191 |
2005 |
22 618 |
20 851 |
43 469 |
2006 |
22 401 |
21 114 |
43 515 |
2007 |
22 861 |
21 916 |
44 777 |
2008 |
23 401 |
22 690 |
46 091 |
2009 |
23 511 |
23 246 |
46 757 |
2010 |
23 513 |
23 906 |
47 419 |
Source: Brunei Darussalam Statistical Yearbook 2010.
Table 3.7
Government employees by division and sex, 2008-2010
Year |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
|||||||
Division |
Male |
Female |
Total |
Male |
Female |
Total |
Male |
Female |
Total |
|
Division I — Heads of Departments |
637 |
266 |
903 |
653 |
286 |
939 |
663 |
301 |
964 |
|
Division II — Senior Officers |
3 747 |
4 860 |
8 607 |
3 732 |
5 009 |
8 741 |
3 736 |
5 322 |
9 058 |
|
Division III — Supervisory |
4 888 |
5 940 |
10 828 |
5 013 |
6 294 |
11 307 |
5 012 |
6 484 |
11 496 |
|
Division IV — Clerical |
5 894 |
6 102 |
11 996 |
5 862 |
6 225 |
12 087 |
5 875 |
6 371 |
12 246 |
|
Division V — Operators |
8 235 |
5 522 |
13 757 |
8 251 |
5 432 |
13 683 |
8 227 |
5 428 |
13 655 |
|
Total |
23 401 |
22 690 |
46 091 |
23 511 |
23 246 |
46 757 |
23 513 |
23 906 |
47 419 |
Source: Brunei Darussalam Statistical Yearbook 2010.
Table 3.8
Number of women employees working at Ministry Of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Position |
Salary Scale |
Total |
Permanent Secretary |
Permanent Secretary Scale |
1 |
Deputy Permanent Secretary |
Superscale Special |
1 |
High Commissioner Of Brunei To New Zealand |
Superscale B |
1 |
Ambassador |
Superscale C |
2 |
Senior Special Duty Officer |
Superscale C |
1 |
Director |
Superscale C |
1 |
High Commissioner |
Superscale C |
1 |
Permanent Representative |
Superscale C |
1 |
Counsellor Minister |
Group II |
2 |
Diplomatic Officer |
Group II |
1 |
Senior Special Duty Officer |
Group II |
1 |
Deputy Director |
Group II |
1 |
Senior Secretary |
Group II |
1 |
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
4.Health
Table 4.1
Number of hospitals, health centres and health clinics, 2004-2010
Year |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
Hospitals |
|||||||
Total |
6 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
Government |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
Private |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
Medical centres |
|||||||
Total |
5 |
7 |
6 |
9 |
9 |
9 |
8 |
Military |
5 |
7 |
6 |
9 |
9 |
9 |
8 |
Hospital beds |
|||||||
Total |
943 |
1 154 |
1 063 |
1 068 |
1 122 |
1 122 |
1 104 |
Government |
908 |
965 |
897 |
897 |
948 |
948 |
946 |
Private |
– |
148 |
127 |
127 |
130 |
130 |
115 |
Military |
35 |
41 |
39 |
40 |
44 |
44 |
43 |
Health centres |
|||||||
Total |
15 |
15 |
15 |
16 |
16 |
16 |
16 |
Health clinics |
|||||||
Total |
43 |
30 |
27 |
26 |
26 |
26 |
25 |
Source: Ministry of Health.
Table 4.2
Health work force in 2008
Category |
Male |
Female |
Total |
Physicians |
331 |
233 |
564 |
Dentists |
44 |
38 |
82 |
Pharmacists |
6 |
39 |
45 |
Nurses |
356 |
1 585 |
1 941 |
Midwives |
0 |
515 |
515 |
Paramedical Staff |
19 |
8 |
27 |
Source: Ministry of Health 2009.
Table 4.3
Other health indicators on women, 2003-2008
Year |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
Maternal mortality ratio (per 1 , 000 lbs) |
27.8 |
14 |
14.4 |
15.3 |
15.8 |
0.0 |
Life expectancy at birth |
77.4 |
77.5 |
77.8 |
77.5 |
77.8 |
79.8 |
General fertility (per 1 , 000 women) age 15-49 |
73.4 |
71.6 |
68.1 |
62.4 |
59.6 |
55.8 |
Total fertility rate (per women) age 15-49 |
2.1 |
2.2 |
2 |
1.8 |
1.7 |
1.7 |
Source: Ministry of Health 2009.
Table 4.4
Women living with HIV/AIDS in 2008
Status |
Cases |
Estimated number of women living with HIV/AIDS (females/100 males) |
11 |
Percentage of HIV positive pregnant women receiving antiretroviral prophylaxis |
< 100 |
Percentage of women vulnerable groups as defined by National Policies, accessing HIV/AIDS counselling, testing and educational programmes |
< 100 |
Source: Ministry of Health 2009.
Table 4.5
Female abridged life table of 1991 and 2001
Age group |
1991 |
2001 |
0 |
76.5 |
77.1 |
1-4 |
76.5 |
77.0 |
5-9 |
72.6 |
73.2 |
10-14 |
67.7 |
68.3 |
15-19 |
62.8 |
63.3 |
20-24 |
57.9 |
58.4 |
25-29 |
52.9 |
53.5 |
30-34 |
48.0 |
48.7 |
40-44 |
43.3 |
43.8 |
45-49 |
38.4 |
39.0 |
50-54 |
33.7 |
34.2 |
55-59 |
25.0 |
25.2 |
60-64 |
21.1 |
21.1 |
65-69 |
17.9 |