KUALA LUMPUR – Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysian Institute for the Future (MASA), Azril Mohd Amin stressed that the current reality shows that structural injustices and discriminatory practices against women’s positions and roles still exist in the country.
He said the situation continues to narrow the space and opportunities for the race to contribute optimally to the development of the country.
“The Malaysian Gender Gap Index (MGGI) 2025 shows that the participation rate of women in the labour force is at 56.5 per cent, much lower than that of men at 83 per cent.
“The Graduate Statistics 2024 by the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) reports that on average, female graduates earn RM900 lower than male graduates despite having equivalent academic qualifications,” he said in a statement on Sunday.
He added, women’s empowerment efforts are not just a social equality agenda, but also an important national development strategy in driving sustainable, inclusive and resilient national growth.
Azril added that the wider involvement of women is no longer an option but a strategic necessity in the era of digital transformation as well as the transition to a green economy and the economy of the future.
“Studies show that increasing the participation rate of women in the labour market has the potential to increase Malaysia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by between seven to 12 per cent.
“In addition, women-owned micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) have also shown a high level of resilience, especially in the service sector and digital economy.
“This role not only contributes to the country’s economic growth, but also helps to increase household income and reduce poverty rates,” he added.
In terms of leadership and governance, he said, the gap in women’s participation showed significant figures when only around 13.5 per cent of Malaysian Members of Parliament (MPs) were women, while less than 20 per cent of ministerial positions were held by women.
According to Azril this situation indirectly limits women’s opportunities to be meaningfully involved in the policy-making process as well as in determining the direction of the country.
“The same is true in the administrative and organisational leadership sectors where women only make up around 27.1 per cent of legislators, senior officers and managers,” he reiterated.
Azril said the gap not only undermines the balance of representation in the democratic system, but also risks ignoring the perspectives and needs of half of the country’s population in the national development agenda.
He urged all parties, including policymakers and civil society organisations, to strengthen their commitment in empowering women in line with the theme of International Women’s Day 2026. However, the official Malaysia theme for International Women’s Day 2026 is “Empowering Women, Strengthening the Nation.”
“This effort requires more progressive policy reforms and legal frameworks to ensure that women’s rights and dignity continue to be protected and curb any form of exploitation and discrimination that undermines their potential. At the same time, the space needs to continue to be expanded to elevate women’s voices, thoughts and leadership in the decision-making process at all levels.
“Greater investment should also be made in the fields of education, healthcare and women’s economic empowerment as the basis for a more balanced and resilient development of the country,” he said as quoted by Sinar Harian.
Azril added that his party believes when women are given equal opportunities, support and access, they will not only be able to strengthen the country’s economy, but also contribute to the construction of a more prosperous, integrity and humane society.
