Women still trailing men in political empowerment - Rina

 

The involvement of Malaysian women in political empowerment, especially regarding ministerial and parliamentary positions, still lags far behind that of men, Women Development, Family And Community Minister Rina Harun said.

According to Malaysia's Gender Gap Index (MGGI) 2020, women's score in political empowerment was the lowest, at only 0.1, compared with other sub-indexes.

"Similarly, the participation rate of women in the workforce is only 55.3 percent, less than the standard 60 percent for a developing nation,” Rina (above) said in an interview in conjunction with the 2022 Women's Day Celebration recently.

On women's participation as decision-makers, Rina said only 17.2 percent of board members of companies listed on Bursa Malaysia in the private sector are women.

“This issue needs to be addressed. Studies have shown that women's participation in decision-making contributes to better organisational governance because they are able to inject diversity to ensure the needs of women in the field are taken into account.

"In the public sector, even though women's participation exceeded the targeted 30 percent, it should not stop there," he said.

As such, Rina said her ministry was committed to further increasing public awareness and understanding of the issue of inequality faced by Malaysian women through the Women's Day Celebration, which is taking place at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC).

With the theme “Saksama Bersama”, Rina said the celebration which is taking place simultaneously at the international level from today to March 8 has been adapted to the current context of the country that is still facing obstacles that needed to be addressed in an effort to elevate women to higher levels.

“The celebration will provide employment and business opportunities to women, in addition to being a one-stop centre for ministries and agencies, corporate bodies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to offer their services specifically for women.

“It will also provide opportunities for visitors to participate in volunteerism activities for mutual equality,” she said.

Prime MinisterIsmail Sabri Yaakob is expected to officiate at the Women's Day Celebration with a host of ongoing activities, including exhibitions by government agencies, corporations and NGOs, booth sales and product exhibitions by women entrepreneurs.

Through the celebration, the ministry will also recognise women icons for the 2022 Icon Women Awards in the fields of economics, education, health, leadership, security, legislation and the Tun Fatimah Special Award.

- Bernama