KUALA LUMPUR: Women’s presence in national politics must be strengthened through more comprehensive and structured reforms, says Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad.
The Plantation and Commodities Minister said women’s participation in politics remains low and does not reflect their true capabilities.
This is despite their strong achievements in education and the economy.
“While women make up more than 60% of university enrolment and the female labour force participation rate is 56.6%, their representation in the Dewan Rakyat is still only around 13.5%,” she said in her speech at the Voices of HER Forum at the World Trade Centre here yesterday, Bernama reported.
Noraini, who is Wanita Umno chief, said there is a significant gap between women’s achievements in other sectors and their representation in political decision-making.
She said the lack of women’s voices in politics undermines the quality of public policy.
Noraini proposed several measures, including the introduction of quota mechanisms or incentives within the electoral system and improvements to political party nomination structures.
Noraini also said societal attitudes towards women leaders must improve to ensure more are given opportunities to take on leadership roles.
“Increased women’s participation will not happen naturally without clear, structured and sustained policy intervention.”
