PETALING JAYA: Only two out of 32 cabinet Ministers are women, but
Malaysian women are making strides at the government agency level, says Women, Family and Community Development minister Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim.
According to Rohani, the target of having at least 30% women in positions of power has been realised.
"We have in fact exceeded the 30% mark and we are now targeting a
50% female presence in governmental agencies," she told the Star Online in a phone interview in conjunction with International Women's Day.
She conceded that it was harder to achieve the target in private sectors although there have been improvements compared to past years.
"It is a little tough when it comes to the private sector but we are trying to do our part in helping them achieve the target," she said.
Rohani said that she understood the dilemma of women when it comes
to work-life balance.
"It is difficult but you do learn to adjust. I am also lucky because
all my children are grown up, which makes a lot of things easier," she
said.
Rohani added that women in their forties could be an asset to
organisations as they are more mature and have grown-up children,
which translates into less responsibility for the mothers.
"Modern technology also goes a long way in helping to keep families
connected. My family know how to contact me through 'whatsapp' and I
go through their pictures on Facebook when I miss them," she said.
Rohani added that her family's support and understanding have also
increased over the years.
"It requires a lot of juggling and you have to know how to balance
your time. Time for oneself is also an important part of the balancing
act," she said.
Although there are successful women in business and politics such as
Rohani, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Nancy Shukri,
AirAsia Bhd CEO, Aireen Omar and Bank Negara governor Tan Sri Dato'
Sri Dr. Zeti Akhtar Aziz, women's representation in the Parliament is
still quite low.
Malaysia has 24 women MPs currently, among the 222 MPs representing the people.
The number translates to only about 11% which does not reflect the
demographics of women in Malaysia.
Empower executive director Maria Chin Abdullah said that the number
of women in the parliament is one of the lowest in recent times.
"We need female representation in parliament so that issues affecting women can be brought forward. We have been told that men can also represent women issues but so far we have not seen it happening,"
she claimed.
The government should focus on tangible policies such as flexible
working hours, she added.
"This is a concept that is being promoted to get more women to
return to work after having a family, but I believe the flexi working
hours should also be an option for men," she said.
Maria added that both men and women should share responsibility
towards the family.
"Giving the flexi-hour option to women will only put more
responsibilities on the women, when men have the same responsibilities," she said.
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