Expanding women's economic rights is good for the nation

(left to right) Secretary General of Women, Family and Community Development Ministry Maziah Che Yusoff; Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri; UNFPA Malaysia Representative Dr Asa Torkellson; and United Nations Resident Coordinator for Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam & Singapore Karima El Korri. Photo: UNFPA

Women make up 50% of Malaysia’s population, yet the country has one of the lowest female labour force participation rates (LFPR) among upper middle income countries, highlights United Nations resident coordinator for Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam & Singapore Karima El Korri.

“Malaysia’s female labour force participation rate stands at 55.6% (as at July 2022) while male labour force participation rate is 82.5%.