KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has almost achieved its target of 30% women leaders in the top 100 public-listed companies, says Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.
Nancy said the percentage of women holding board of directors' positions stood at 29.7%, based on Securities Commission figures.
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"In comparison, it was only 14% in 2016," she said during Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday (May 23).
Datuk Mohd Suhaimi Abdullah (PN-Langkawi) had asked if the ministry was satisfied with the achievements of women in government-linked companies (GLC) and the private sector and if the 30% quota of women holding top management positions had been reached.
Nancy added that the ministry had outlined strategies to support the government's initiative to achieve the target.
"The three main initiatives would firstly improve legislation and policies to create a conducive working environment for women.
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"The ministry is also working to support women's involvement in the workforce as well as creating opportunities and access.
"Lastly, the ministry is working to increase awareness and collaborate with various stakeholders to open up opportunities in welcoming women leaders in the workforce," she said.
She also said the 30% target in the Dewan Rakyat might not materialise soon unless both sides of the political divide worked towards this goal.
"If all political parties are sincere and willing to take part in the initiative then it is possible to achieve the figure. Where there is a will, there is a way," she said in reply to Datuk Seri Noraini Ahmad (BN-Parit Sulong), who asked about ministry efforts to have more women joining politics to meet the target of 30% women lawmakers.
There are 30 women MPs in Parliament, which is 13.5% of the 222 seats.
