Break the barriers

Women at work: Removing structural barriers and building a more supportive ecosystem is essential for women to remain in, or re-enter, the formal workforce. — 123rf

MALAYSIA’S labour market is facing a two-tiered disruption. The country is ageing rapidly, with more than 15% of the population set to be aged 65 and above by 2050. At the same time, birth rates are falling. In 2024, the fertility rate stood at 1.6 children per woman, well below the 2.1 replacement level. Together, these trends pose long-term challenges to economic sustainability.

The government has set a target to raise the female labour force participation (FLFP) rate to 60% by 2033 as part of its long-term strategy to bolster the labour force and strengthen women’s role in national development. Currently, the FLFP rate stands at 56.6%, compared with 83.3% for men.