KUALA LUMPUR: While Malaysia has made many strides in advancing women, it should also be acknowledged that the journey is far from over, says Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia.
"Some future goals in the pipeline include achieving 100% secondary school completion rates for girls by 2030; increasing women's representation in Parliament to 30% from 15% currently by 2028; reducing the gender pay gap to less than 5% by 2030; and ensuring 40% of senior management positions are held by women by 2035," said Raja Zarith Sofiah who was speaking at the 2024 World Women Economic & Business Summit and Awards.
Her Majesty said that Malaysia had made significant legislative and policy advancements relating to gender equality.
"We have strengthened laws against gender-based discrimination and sexual harassment, to ensure safer workplaces and public spaces for women. Our "Women in Leadership" programme has also successfully increased female representation in corporate boardrooms from 16% in 2017 to 28% today, with a target of 30% by 2025.
"In Malaysia, we have achieved near-universal primary education, with enrollment rates surpassing 98% for both boys and girls. The focus has now shifted to ensuring quality secondary and tertiary education for all, and women now constitute over 60% of our university students.
"But challenges remain among marginalised communities and we are committed to leaving no woman behind as we progress towards our goals," said Her Majesty.
At the summit, the Star Media Group (SMG) was awarded the Outstanding World Media Award for Advancing and Championing Women's Issues.
"I'm honoured to receive this special award for SMG. This is especially meaningful as our media has always been at the forefront of championing women issues and those pushing for gender equality," said SMG chief content officer Datin Paduka Esther Ng.
"SMG will continue to do our part in nation building, to push for recognition for women's contributions and leadership."
There were 26 award recipients including Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd general manager (Finance) Lisa Wan, a recipient of the World Women Excellence Award; Universiti Tun Abdul Razal vice-chancellor Prof Datin Paduka Dr Samsinar Md Sidin, a recipient of the World Distinguished Women Leader Lifetime Achievement Award; and Affin Bank Group group chief financial officer Joanne Rodrigues, a recipient of the 2024 World Outstanding Women in Finance Excellence Award.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said that her welcome address titled "Power and Parity: Rewriting the Rules for the Future" was not just a call to action but a mandate for change in the Malaysian landscape.
"We must intensify our efforts to achieve gender equality as women's meaningful participation in all areas of public life, particularly in the economy, is not only beneficial for women but also for men, family and society as a whole," she said.
