Malaysia close to having 30% women in leadership roles

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is two-seats away from achieving the status of having at least 30% women leaders in the top echelons of public-listed companies, says Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.

Nancy said based on a report by the Securities Commission, the percentage of female representation on board positions currently stands at 29.7%.

“For comparison, the data of women as board directors were only 14% in 2016, while the number increased to 29.7% this year,” she told Dewan Rakyat during the Minister’s Question Time yesterday.

Nancy was replying to a question from Datuk Mohd Suhaimi Abdullah (PN-Langkawi), who asked if the ministry is satisfied with the achievements of women in government-linked companies (GLCs) and the private sector, and if the 30% quota of women holding top management positions has been reached.

The Santubong MP added that the ministry has outlined strategies to support the government’s initiative to achieve 30% women participation in leadership positions.

“The three main initiatives would firstly improve the legislation and policies to provide a conducive working environment for women.

“The ministry is also working to support women’s involvement in the workforce as well as creating opportunities and access to women.

“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.

However, Nancy added that the 30% women participation in the Dewan Rakyat may not materialise in the near future unless both sides of the political divide are willing to work towards it.

“If all the political parties are sincere and willing to take part in the initiative, then it is possible to achieve the figures. When there is a will, there is a way,” she said.

Nancy was responding to a supplementary question from Datuk Seri Noraini Ahmad (BN-Parit Sulong) on the ministry’s effort to have more women joining politics to fulfil the Parliament’s target of having 30% women lawmakers.