PUTRAJAYA: International Women's Day, celebrated on March 8 every year, honours the success and achievements of women in various fields, in addition to recognising their roles and contributions.
"Count Her In: Invest in Women. Accelerate Progress", was the theme chosen by the United Nations this year, with the hashtag #InspireInclusion.
In Malaysia, "Uplifting Women for a Prosperous Nation" was chosen as the theme, underscoring the importance of fostering inclusivity and gender equality at all levels.
This year's theme also recognises the role and contribution of women, who form the main pillar in social development in society.
Malaysian women have contributed in various sectors, and they have made the country well-known globally. But, the journey to raise the women's agenda is far from over.
In 2022, almost 56.7 per cent of student recruitment in higher education institutions consisted of women — 681,642 female students compared with 520,560 male students.
However, this success achieved by women in higher education does not translate to employment.
Women are also not seen to be involved in the workforce, either as corporate, legal, academic, economic or political leaders, when compared to the number of female graduates.
In 2022, women's participation in the labour force stood at only 55.8 per cent, compared to 81.9 per cent of men.
"Madani Economy: Empowering the People" outlines one of seven benchmarks to be achieved, which is ensuring that women's participation in the labour force reaches 60 per cent.
Therefore, efforts to empower women through various community empowerment advocacy programmes, social support and income generation, as well as the creation of a working environment conducive to women, need to be given prime attention.
The unity government with the concept of Madani Malaysia has embarked on several initiatives to empower women in this country.
One such initiative is increasing the income tax exemption for childcare allowances received by employees or paid directly by employers to childcare centres from RM2,400 to RM3,000.
Tax incentives for women returning to work have been extended until Dec 31, 2027 and the government has also allocated RM720 million for a Special Business Loan Facility for women and youth who venture into business.
It is hoped that the Madani government's various efforts will strengthen the spirit of Malaysian women to continue working together to develop the country.
The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry has also implemented legal literacy programmes, counselling services, campaigns to stop violence against women and anti-sexual harassment advocacy programmes to improve the well-being of women at every level of society.
The agenda to empower women on all levels should not remain as mere words; more efforts need to be put in place through legislative and regulatory measures.
The whole-of-nation approach will ensure that women continue to be at the core of the national development agenda.
It is our responsibility to empower women and girls by perfecting their potential as individuals, future leaders and fundamental contributors to our country's all-round development.
