PETALING JAYA: Greater access to affordable childcare could help more women remain in the workforce, but working mothers say employers and policymakers still need to do more to address the burden of unpaid care work at home.
Aina Nasa, 35, who works in the private financial sector, said affordable childcare would make a meaningful difference for many families.
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“Childcare is the invisible struggle of working parents. Improved affordability would put parents at ease and allow them to perform better at work,” she said.
Aina said women still do the bulk of caregiving responsibilities at home, which can affect career development, particularly during their children’s early years.
“Mothers do not see caregiving as troublesome. It is a blessing, and we want to do it, even if it means putting our career ambitions on hold.
“But this shows employers need to step up with concrete and sustainable support such as safe and affordable childcare centres,” she said.
While workplace policies have improved over the years, Aina said support for working mothers still varies widely between employers.
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Recently, the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry told The Star it plans to expand affordable childcare, subsidised healthcare and programmes supporting women returning to work.
The Malaysia Care Strategic Framework 2026-2030 tackles unpaid care duties hindering women at work.
Communications officer Hameedah Ibrahim, 46, said reliable childcare is crucial for mothers to stay employed.
“Childcare is a major concern. Mothers plan their routines around their children. Better access will help more women decide to take up jobs,” said the mother of one, adding that many women continue to shoulder unpaid care work at home.
She said that workplaces could do more to support working mothers, which would ultimately encourage more women to remain in the workforce.
“Many women are made to feel guilty or pressured to do more to prove their worth. Employers will not lose if they invest in their employees.
“If there are childcare facilities near the workplace, it would be encouraging. The simple answer is to ask us what we want, instead of telling us what we should do,” she said.
