KUALA LUMPUR: In a move to strengthen women’s role in the national economy, the government aims to equip 100,000 women with future-ready and high-growth skills by 2030 through the newly-launched Wanita MyWira Accelerator initiative.
Led by the Human Resources Ministry (Kesuma) through Talent Corporation Malaysia Bhd (TalentCorp), in partnership with the World Economic Forum (WEF), the initiative positions Malaysia as the first Asean country to join the WEF’s Global Gender Parity Accelerator Network, a global platform promoting women’s economic inclusion.
Human Resources Minister Steven Sim said the initiative underscores the government’s commitment to inclusion and workforce transformation by preparing Malaysian women for high-growth sectors, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and renewable energy.
“Through the Wanita MyWira Accelerator, the government aims to remove barriers to women’s participation in the workforce by offering flexible job opportunities, promoting family and caregiving-friendly workplaces and expanding access to decent work, particularly in rural areas,” he said during the launch here yesterday.
The ceremony was officiated by Sim, along with Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, and Teach For Malaysia chairman and founding trustee, Tunku Besar Seri Menanti Tunku Ali Redhauddin Tuanku Muhriz.
The first phase of the accelerator will train 1,000 women under TalentCorp’s MyMahir-certified pathways, aiming for an 80% job placement rate within six months of completion.
With a RM15mil co-investment model, the initiative brings together 1,000 companies that have committed to implementing flexible work arrangements, providing return-ship opportunities for women who have taken career breaks and hiring trained female graduates.
At the same time, Sim highlighted Malaysia’s significant progress in women’s empowerment, noting that women now form the majority of students in higher learning institutions.
The female labour force participation rate has also increased from 50.4% in 2007 to 56.3% today.
Furthermore, women now hold 28% of board positions in Malaysian public-listed companies, with over 30% in the top 100 listed companies, compared to just 5% in 2007.
“The gender pay gap has also narrowed significantly, from RM200 in 2023 to just RM18 as of March 2025. This shows that when the right policies are in place, real change is possible,” he said, Bernama reported.
Despite this progress, Sim warned that Malaysia must not become complacent. He pointed out that many women remain absent from the workforce, especially with the rise of artificial intelligence, which threatens to replace routine and white-collar roles traditionally held by women.
Meanwhile, Nancy emphasised that the programme reflects Malaysia’s commitment to building an inclusive economy, where women are not only seen as beneficiaries but as key drivers of growth under the Madani Economic Framework.
“The government recognises that when we empower women, we empower families, communities, and ultimately, the nation,” she said.
Nancy also shared details about the National Policy for Women 2025-2030, themed “Memartabat Wanita, Memperkukuh Negara”, which aims to turn commitment into concrete action by addressing barriers such as unpaid care work, gender discrimination and unequal access to opportunities.
She highlighted the Budget 2026 commitments, including RM230mil to empower over 300,000 women micro-entrepreneurs, RM270mil to support women-led SMEs and RM7.9bil in Technical and Vocational Education and Training funding to strengthen talent pipelines in digital, green and precision industries.
“With the Wanita MyWira Accelerator, we are creating real pathways for women returning to work, mid-career professionals seeking growth, and young talents entering high-demand sectors such as technology, digital and sustainability,” she said.
