Malaysia's DPM on meeting the 2030 target for 30% of women in workforce

In a keynote address at the Women in Economy Conference, Malaysia's Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail commented on the government’s target to have women comprise 30% of the workforce, especially in the private sector, by 2030, as reported by New Straits Times.

"Of course, we hope to meet the 30% target as soon as possible. It will be even better if we could reach 50%," she said. "As such, all the three stakeholders – the government, the private sector and non-state actors – must collaborate to provide women-friendly environments to allow more women to enter the workforce and contribute to society. (Measures include) providing flexi-hours, for instance."

Organised by the Penang Women’s Development Corporation (PWDC), the event was launched by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.

At the event, Dr Wan Azizah advised, that to begin the process of increasing women’s participation in the workforce, all government departments and agencies should utilise whatever allocations they have to set up daycare centres in their respective offices by 1 January 2019.

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In her keynote address, Dr Wan Azizah said barely a generation ago, women were expected to be homemakers. “Today, I stand in front of all of you, the movers and shakers of the business world, as well as politics. We have come a long way and there is more to be done.

“May 9, this year, witnessed a milestone moment that brought us into a new era. There are many expectations that are associated with this new era, which has been given the moniker ‘Malaysia Baharu’ or New Malaysia.

She pointed to the role of government and private sector, in partnership with the "third pillar of development", that is, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), individual volunteers, local communities as well as social enterprises.

"The Fajr Doctrine envisions a future when non-state actors will become the third pillar of development. It envisions a future where the government and the private sector work together with non-state actors to catch those who fall through the cracks as we pursue development and growth," she said.

Photo / StockUnlimited