(From left) Thivyashini, Siti Solehah and Nurul Nadiha at their office in Komtar, Penang. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
Call for more support and encouragement among women at work
TO MARK International Women’s Day, which falls today, women in the workforce in Penang are calling for the fairer sex to champion each other.
Siti Solehah Mohamad Sallehuddin, 29, whose workplace has more women employees than men, said there were bound to be conflicts among colleagues.
“If we do not help one another, then it can be difficult. My office has only two men.
“Here, we have each other’s back which helps a lot.
“I am expecting my second child and my colleagues know that I will need time off for medical check-ups and there will be days when I am under the weather.
“Women understand my situation better,” said the administrative officer.
Nurul Nadiha Mohd Tamrin, 25, said women should take the time to encourage each other.
“We do not see Women’s Day celebrated as much as it should be.
“There are more women than men at my office so we have achieved more than the 30% representation target.
“More section heads are now women and I have noticed that the men treat us as equals.
“However, I believe we women need to support each other more. Sometimes we see ill-will and hostility coming from the women, which tears us down,” said the special officer.
Marketing and charter head Cheong Yin Fan, 46, said she mostly worked with men and has established good communication and understanding with them.
“We are in bus operations and 70% of the staff members at my office are men. My work requires me to be the middle person in communicating with clients and colleagues.
“I have not noticed any gender bias. However, women need to support each other in order to survive in this male-dominated line of work.”
Intern M. Thivyashini, 23, makes it a point to celebrate Women’s Day every year by buying bouquets for her mother and sisters.
“We must celebrate the women in our lives at home and at work.
“I just started my internship and while I noticed there are more men than women, everyone is treated as equals and there is plenty of respect.
“However, I believe that in an environment where there are more men, women need to take care of each other,” she said.
Women’s Centre for Change Penang service advocacy coordinator Hastiny Subramaniam said women remained significantly under- represented in leadership roles.
“This has resulted in a lack of diverse perspectives, especially on issues related to women, children and marginalised communities.
“Gender quotas aim to enhance diversity and fair access to opportunities.
“The 30% figure is just a minimum benchmark and progress should extend beyond it,” she said.
