Empowering women and girls
They can be a force
for change
OMEN’S empowerment” has become a significant topic of discussion in recent years. It is the buzzword that pushes for a gender equity campaign, guiding government policies and attracting worldwide attention. Some may see it as the latest trend in political correctness and a mission by politicians to win over female voters. It is just not a feel-good mantra, however. There is ample evidence to suggest that profound gender injustices persist not only in other countries, but also in Malaysia. Significant achievements in women’s rights notwithstanding, Malaysia must admit that many impediments remain. These include issues on violence against women, sexual harassment of women at the workplace, the right to education, health and social wellbeing of women and girls, the rights of indigenous women as well as child marriages.
The good news is that more local women are working. Malaysia’s female labour participation rate (FLPR) climbed to 54.1 per cent last year from 46.8 per cent in 2010. While this is under the 55 per cent target set for last year, the 7.3 per cent increase in FLPR has resulted in an additional 750,000 women entering the workforce. Government initiatives that seek to raise women’s contribution to the economy and promote greater inclusion in the workforce have made this possible. Prior to 2010, the FLPR had remained at around 46 per cent for at least five years. But, more must be done and quickly to improve women’s participation in the workforce. If
Malaysia does not fully utilise its female talent, it is not likely to get too close to the top 30 per cent anytime soon.
The budget provisions for women next year hopes to address some of the concerns mentioned. Working women who are breastfeeding can look forward to a new tax relief of up to RM1,000 which is claimable — biennially, effective from year of assessment 2017 — for the purchase of breastfeeding equipment. And, to ease the burden of working parents, a tax relief of up to RM1,000 will be given to individual taxpayers who enrol their children aged 6 years and below in registered nurseries and preschools, from the year of assessment 2017. This will benefit some 40,000 individuals. The government will intensify efforts to lure women to the workforce and will allocate a sum of RM2 billion for programmes such as I-KIT, I-KeuNita and Women Career Comeback. It will also set aside RM30 million to enable women to undergo mammography and receive Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination to prevent cancer — both procedures offered free of cost.
Malaysians have an obligation to place a high value on women and girls. Parents with daughters: pay closer attention to how you are treating them. Are you raising them in a way that discourages them from achieving their true potential? Our girls have as much talent as our boys. Do not tell them that science or technology is a “boy” thing and that they should look for something easy. We must educate families to appreciate their daughters and help them realise their worth. Girls just need to be put in the right environment, so they can succeed.