MEDIA STATEMENT
IN CONJUNCTION WITH INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2026
8 MARCH 2026
Women Participation Is Strategic Necessity, No Longer Optional
KUALA LUMPUR, Sun: In conjunction with the celebration of International Women’s Day 2026, Institut Masa Depan Malaysia (MASA) is calling on all parties to continue strengthening efforts to empower women through approaches that are fair, equitable and grounded in noble values.
Based on this year’s theme “Uplifting Women, Strengthening the Nation”, women’s empowerment is not merely a social equality agenda but a crucial national development strategy in driving sustainable, inclusive and resilient growth.
In line with MASA’s aspirations under the Shared Prosperity Vision 2030 (SPV2030) which emphasises that no one should be left behind in the development process, every woman and girl has the right to live with dignity and security.
They deserve full access to quality education, proper healthcare, fair employment opportunities and equal space to build a more prosperous future.
In a tradition that upholds justice, trust and compassion, a prosperous society is one that recognises women’s contributions as vital partners in building families, communities and the nation.
However, current realities show that structural inequalities and discriminatory practices affecting women’s positions and roles still exist, continuing to limit their space and opportunities to contribute optimally to national development.
According to the Malaysia Gender Gap Index (MGGI) 2025, the female labour force participation rate stands at 56.5 percent, significantly lower than that of men at 83 percent. The 2024 Graduate Statistics by the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) reports that, on average, female graduates earn RM900 less than male graduates despite having equivalent academic qualifications.
In the era of digital transformation and transition towards a green and future economy, broader female participation is no longer optional but a strategic necessity.
Studies show that increasing women’s participation in the labour market has the potential to boost Malaysia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by between seven and 12 percent.
Additionally, women-owned Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have demonstrated strong resilience, particularly in the services and digital economy sectors. Their role not only contributes to national economic growth but also helps to increase household income and reduce poverty rates.
In leadership and governance, the gender gap in participation remains evident. Although the percentage of women on the boards of the top 100 listed public companies has surpassed the 30 percent target, women’s representation in the country’s top political and administrative leadership remains low.
Currently, only about 13.5 percent of Members of Parliament in Malaysia are women, while fewer than 20 percent of ministerial positions are held by women. This situation indirectly limits women’s opportunities to participate meaningfully in policymaking processes and in determining the nation’s direction.
Similarly, in the administrative and organisational leadership sectors, women account for only around 27.1 percent of legislators, senior officials and managers. This gap not only affects balanced representation within the democratic system but also risks overlooking the perspectives and needs of half of the nation’s population in the national development agenda.
In line with the spirit of “Uplifting Women, Strengthening the Nation”, MASA urges all parties, including individuals, the business sector, policymakers and civil society organisations to enhance their commitment to empowering women.
This effort requires more progressive policy reforms and legal frameworks to ensure that women’s rights and dignity are continuously protected, and to curb any form of exploitation and discrimination that undermines their potential.
At the same time, greater space must continue to be created to elevate women’s voices, ideas and leadership in decision-making processes at all levels. Greater investment is also needed in education, healthcare and women’s economic empowerment as the foundation for more balanced and resilient national development.
MASA believes that when women are given fair opportunities, support and access, they are not only able to strengthen the national economy but also contribute to building a more prosperous, ethical and humane society.
With the collective commitment of all parties, Malaysia can move forward as a nation that truly values, upholds and fully harnesses the potential of women as essential partners in national development.
Happy International Women’s Day 2026.
AZRIL MOHD AMIN
Chief Executive Officer
Institut Masa Depan Malaysia
