Nancy: The female labour force participation rate in the country has now reached 56 percent, and the government is targeting an increase to 60 percent by 2030, said Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Nancy emphasized that achieving this target requires the commitment of all parties, including state governments, and cannot be accomplished by the ministry alone. She noted that the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry has implemented initiatives such as providing childcare subsidies to encourage more women to join the workforce. Nancy shared these insights with reporters after officiating the National Women's Agenda Forum (FAWN) 2025 and launching the book "30 Years of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)" at an event held today.
The event was attended by notable figures including Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad, the ministry's secretary-general Datuk Dr Maziah Che Yusoff, and Women's Development Department director-general Hanani Sapi. Nancy also highlighted the full enforcement of the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act 2022 (Act 840) since March 8, which has increased workplace safety for women. Since the establishment of the Anti-Sexual Harassment Tribunal (TAGS), 22 out of 45 cases filed have been resolved fairly within 60 days.
In her speech, Nancy recognized Malaysia's key achievements as a state party to CEDAW over the past three decades. These achievements include amendments to the Employment Act 1955 (Act 265) to strengthen women's labour rights and the appointment of Gender Focal Points (GFP) and Gender Focal Teams (GFT) in every ministry and agency. The measures aim to mainstream gender equality, including an interim policy requiring at least 30 percent of women in decision-making positions.
Furthermore, she pointed out that Malaysian women have reached educational parity, with the Education Attainment Sub-Index surpassing a score of 1 at 1.071 in 2023, setting the stage for increased workforce participation. Nancy stated that FAWN 2025 aims to elevate public awareness of the National Women's Policy and function as a platform for exchanging ideas to strengthen women's rights and roles in Malaysia.