Sabah women voters demand action, not slogans, say analysts

They say women want financial independence, safety from abuse at home, access to clean water, affordable food, and better education for their children.

Women’s issues may end up taking a back seat given that they account for only 11.9% of the candidates in the election, says Syahruddin Awang Ahmad of UMS. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA:

 When women cast their votes at the Sabah polls this weekend, at the top of their mind will be tangible improvements in their daily lives, analysts say.

They want to be able to earn their own income, an end to domestic violence, access to clean water, affordable food, and better education for their children, the analysts told FMT.

Bilcher Bala of Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) said that rather than abstract promises, women voters are driven by pragmatic concerns such as the rising cost of living, access to healthcare and community safety.

“They tend to support candidates who show genuine commitment to improving local infrastructure, expanding welfare programmes, and ensuring fair economic opportunities, especially in rural and semi-urban areas where inequalities remain stark,” he said.

Bilcher noted that women play dual roles as household managers and active members of their community, making them a crucial voting bloc.

He said there is already growing recognition of women’s leadership capacity, particularly among young and urban voters who value integrity, education, and grassroots involvement.

“However, women candidates still face deep-rooted challenges, such as gender stereotypes that view politics as a male domain, limited access to financial resources and patronage networks, and the double burden of managing families while campaigning,” he said.

Men still control family finances

Oh Ei Sun of the Singapore Institute of International Affairs said many women, particularly in interior areas, are still financially dependent on their husbands.

“Very often, their budding businesses or careers — such as environmentally friendly micro-enterprises — are interrupted by their husbands, who either demand that their income be handed over or that they stop working so that they do not earn more than their husbands,” he said.

Oh urged candidates to ensure women are aware of their rights and to focus on education and empowerment as the most sustainable path forward.

“Candidates must offer a better future to help them escape poverty and provide better education for their children,” he said.

Women held back by cultural barriers

Syahruddin Awang Ahmad of UMS highlighted women’s need for support in healthcare, eldercare, and empowerment.

“Women shoulder the primary caregiving burden and need stronger community support,” he said.

With only 11.9% of candidates being women, he warned that issues that matter to them will likely be taken up only by a handful of women representatives.

He also said that increased representation is crucial to ensure housing, healthcare, and economic policies benefit all women. - FMT