Corporate sector told to achieve 30pct target of women decision-makers

 

Corporate companies have been urged to ensure that at least 30 percent of their decision-makers are women as the percentage is still low compared to the public sector.

Women, Family and Community Development Minister Nancy Shukri said the percentage of women representation in decision-making positions in the public sector has exceeded the target at 38 percent.

"In the corporate sector, it (the target) has not been achieved. This is not within our control but we keep advocating it.

"That is why we work with non-governmental organisations to make sure that the pressure is felt by the corporate sector which will push them to achieve it.

"It is to give women the opportunity… if they find it difficult to find qualified women (to fill the positions) WLF (Women Leadership Foundation) has the data of women in Malaysia who have the necessary qualifications," Nancy (above) said.

She said this at a media conference held in conjunction with the 'Breakfast Conversations with Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri' programme held in Kuala Lumpur today.

Meanwhile, WLF chairperson Hafsah Hashim said that last year only 22 percent of decision-makers in public-listed companies were women, adding that the 30 percent target should be made a policy to ensure companies will strive to achieve it.

"I believe that if it is made a policy by the government, we will move quickly to achieve that 30 percent target and more if we want,” Hafsah said, adding that various studies have shown that appointing women in decision-making positions could increase company profits.

- Bernama