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KOTA KINABALU: Women have broken barriers socially and economically but it is still a long and arduous journey for them to achieve milestones due to existing global gender inequalities.
State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew said while a lot has been achieved in past decades to alleviate the living standards of women and how they are included for nation building, the gender gap was still there.
She even felt that it would take a "miracle" to see Malaysian women secure 30% candidacies in the country's next general election due in 2027.
“Let's see if this long-term 'aspiration' of increasing women's representation in politics will become a reality,” said the former Sabah deputy chief minister when officiating the Sabah Women Entrepreneurs & Professionals Association (SWEPA)'s two-day International Women's Conference starting Wednesday (Aug 14), here.
However, challenges like these should not deter women from trying repeatedly and fighting for what they deserve to get in the workplace, in government positions, in society, in education and even at home, said Liew.
“If you fell yesterday, rise up today and move on. Believe in yourself that you have the willpower and capacity to overcome any obstacle one way or another,” she said.
“When you face challenges, don't break down in tears but be proactive and strong enough to address these challenges to emerge victorious, to realise your dream or to attain your goal in life,” she said.
Liew said unlike some conservative countries, Malaysian women were considered much luckier in various aspects as they were able to work, study, drive and do things that many of these women were not allowed to.
Before 2018, women in countries like Saudi Arabia were forbidden from driving cars, she said, giving an example.
Speaking of the conference, Liew said the theme “Empowering Women Leaders: Breaking Barriers and Shaping the Future,” resonated deeply with a shared mission to create a world where women could lead, innovate, and inspire without limitations.
She said the theme was most relevant as women around the world continue to break the proverbial glass ceiling.
“This is a universal trend. Just look at US Vice-President Kamala Harris. Nothing is stopping this politician from her historic bid for the US presidency. It is said that she is one heartbeat away from the presidency. We wish her all the best in her endeavour,” Liew said.
“Over the past decades, you and I have seen how capable women in other developed countries, particularly those in the United Kingdom and Europe, rose through the ranks to don the colours of a president or prime minister,” she said.
She said there were also no barriers for a woman to hold the reins of power even in countries like Indonesia, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
“At this juncture, I would not rule out the possibility of Malaysia having its first woman Prime Minister in the future,” Liew said, adding there was no dearth of women leaders in the country.
She said as a matter of fact, Malaysia had its first female deputy prime minister in Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, who broke the glass ceiling in 2018 and served the nation until 2020.
She named another Malaysian woman trailblazer - lawyer Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat where in 2019, who created history after she was appointed Chief Justice of Malaysia, making her the first woman to head the country's judiciary.
“On the Sabah front, I am proud to say that many women have also shattered the glass ceiling to be the 'first' achievers in their respective fields or professions,” said Liew.
These include being the first woman state minister, ambassador, state Attorney-General, deputy state secretary, member of Parliament, district officer, mayor, president of a municipal council and many more, she said.
