Kuala lumpur: Efforts to empower women as decision-makers must be accompanied by a support system, training, and trust in their capabilities, said the Government's Sustainable Urban Development advisor Datuk Seri Dr Maimunah Mohd Sharif. According to BERNAMA News Agency, Maimunah, the former mayor of Kuala Lumpur, emphasized that women need to be in decision-making positions to ensure their needs and perspectives are translated into policies and actions. "I want to urge all women that when given the opportunity, seize that opportunity and we should also seek knowledge," she stated while being a guest on the Ruang Bicara programme titled 'International Women's Day: Driving Equality, Strengthening the Empowerment Agenda', aired by Bernama TV here tonight. Maimunah highlighted the imbalance in women's participation in higher education, with 2025 data indicating that women comprise 56.4 percent of total participation, yet only 27 percent hold management positions. She further noted that women currently represen t 13.5 percent of Members of Parliament and 16.1 percent of Cabinet members. "If a woman can step forward, has the capability, has the ability, then why not? Even if it's just 50 percent, it's fine," she expressed, advocating for increased female representation in leadership roles. Meanwhile, Nomura Asset Management non-executive independent director Datuk Mona Suraya Kamarudin stressed the need for opportunities for women to advance in their careers, supported by training and leadership development. Drawing from her experience in the financial sector, she acknowledged that women possess strong technical skills and experience, yet their presence is more prevalent at mid-level rather than top positions. "In the field of finance, they do not consider gender because if you can manage finances, people will choose you whether you are a man or a woman," she remarked. Mona Suraya also pointed out that family support is crucial in enabling women to fulfill their professional roles more effectively, especially when balancing career and family obligations.