AS a board member of one of the leading government-linked companies in the country, I must say the number of women in top positions, whether in government or private sector, is greatly disappointing.

Despite numerous calls for greater women representation in our country, the figure is still very low and there is still plenty that can be done to increase the participation of the fairer sex in the economy and politically.

Malaysia has achieved tremendous development, but sadly, the progress of its women and even its youth remains at a dismal level.

Even the number of women ministers and political leaders is greatly disappointing.

It is mine and the hope of all women that we be given a chance to showcase our abilities and a fair opportunity to hold top positions in the government and private sector.

Each time an election is held, we wait anxiously to see the number of women who will be fielded, but unfortunately the numbers are always upsetting.

Though there may have been an increase, it is still far from what women desire.

From the latest census, there are an estimated 32.73 million citizens in Malaysia. Among these, 15.84 million are women.

However, the number of women holding senior leadership positions in Malaysia was only 37%, up by a meagre 4% from 2020.

With the Johor elections around the corner, it would be interesting to see how many women are fielded.

Political parties should heed the call from the Council of Malaysian Women Political Leaders (Comwel) and field more women in the upcoming election.

I recall that during the Malacca polls, Comwel chief Zuraida Kamaruddin said the 15 women standing for election made up a mere 13.5% of the total number of candidates.

She said that this was far from the 30% target to empower women in politics.

We really hope to see much greater women participation in Johor via intensified efforts to give women a greater voice in the country.

Numerous countries around the world are led by women and notably, these nations have done very well, both economically and at the social level. – February 19, 2022.

* Sarah Ibrahim Daud reads The Malaysian Insight.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.