WELCOMING FEMALE LEADERSHIP :
IT’S NOW OR NEVER
In celebration of Women’s Month, the theme for 2021 is #ChooseToChallenge, where we are given the choice to empower, support and encourage both men and women to challenge gender discrimination to achieve equality. Gender equality is after all a mission for both men and women. Women in Malaysia are starting to change equality for themselves and their futures. Many countries around the world have also started to place heavy importance on gender equality, and Malaysia is one of them. Societies are finally realising the importance of taking a stand to demand equality for Malaysian women.
Malaysia is a country that has accomplished outstanding economic success, becoming the 6th largest economy in Southeast Asia and 39th largest in the world. However, the country’s women leaders are still considered underrepresented because only a small number of women take leadership positions in almost every corner of the board. Gender inequality poses significant challenges to women in Malaysia because it takes away opportunities from deserving talented women. Given that Malaysia has vast natural resources and human capital have been the driving engine of its economic development, gender inequality is still a serious hurdle Malaysia needs to overcome in order for a positive growth for the nation in the economic and political/leadership spheres. To address this gender discrimination in employment, members of society need to break away from gender biases. The perception that men are naturally fit for public places and women for private areas makes women seem only suitable to “assist” men in the work place. This practice has to be put to stop.
First and foremost, the idea of women representation has to be understood and acknowledged by everyone. It is very important to address this pressing problem because women make up 48.6% of the entire population and we need more of them to become leaders to ensure that the voices of Malaysian women are heard. Who would understand us better if it is not from our own kind?
For example, with only 33 female representation from both the government and opposition (out of 222 seats) in the Malaysia’s House of Parliament, the inclusion and participation of more women representative is actually very important for us to come up with excellent policies and laws that will tackle gender discrimination, crimes against women and the implementation of women-friendly policies to safeguard women’s issue and rights.
What can female leaders do to empower and inspire future female leaders? Actively engage potential leaders by identifying and investing in women with skills and capacity to lead and give them the confidence to do so. It is crucial in any sort of leadership practice to build confidence at home, in the educational institution and even at their workplace. By creating this “safe space”, we will be able to see more young women coming to the front without hesitation and with full confidence. When the younger generation of ladies/women sees the boldness of a leading women, it will give them the sense of hope and inspiration to embrace their potential and be committed to move forward as a leader. Female leaders should utilize these qualities such as perseverance, empathy and passion.
Rome was not built in a day. Likewise, the hope of hitting and having 30% of women parliamentarians is not going to be immediate. Providing platforms and opportunities are important but it is more important to create awareness and exposure as to why we should embrace and welcome female leadership into the picture. It is not only the young girls and women that should be educated but this has to reach their family members, acquaintances and their community in order for them to help these potential future leaders to nurture and grow to be a productive, compassionate and empathetic leaders in future. A new season is approaching and one can look with optimism on the impact it will have on women’s empowerment and leadership in Malaysia. Be brave, be bold and shatter that glass ceiling because our time is now or never.
AINIE HAZIQAH
Ketua Wanita Muda Negara
#InternationalWomensMonth
#empoweringwomen
