MOST Malaysians feel that employers are not doing enough to help women balance work and care responsibilities, resulting in inequality for female workers, a survey has found.

According to a poll by market research company Ipsos, 19% of respondents said too few women are in positions of political power, while 18% said the government has not promoted gender equality.

“Meanwhile, 17% of the Malaysians surveyed believe women and men are already equal, compared with an average of 13% globally,” said Ipsos in a statement issued in conjunction with International Women’s Day, which falls on Sunday.

The survey found that 47% of respondents believe the most progress that has been made is women taking CEO and board positions over the last 25 years, being present in the government and politics, and having equal access to education (42%), and holding senior posts in business (39%).

It also showed that 36% of respondents are of the opinion that confidence is a key factor in women’s success, intelligence and qualifications are important assets (30%), and hard work plays a big part (29%).

Malaysia Ipsos managing director Arun Menon said it is imperative that tangible changes are done to improve women’s opportunities and working conditions.

“Women’s rights are human rights. This oft-repeated phrase is a call to action for accelerating gender parity the world over.

“We firmly believe that conversation and recognition will lead to greater reforms in the space of gender equality.”

The survey took a sample of 19,943 adults in 27 countries, including Malaysia, Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands and the US. – Bernama, March 4, 2020.