Chan: Wanita MCA has been instrumental in pushing for more women representation in the party.
THE ROAD may be riddled with bumps, hedges and stumbling blocks, but women in politics have kept pulling out the stops to ensure their role remains essential.
As political aggression or discrimination against them remains brewing in some pockets around the country, political parties have over the years taken various initiatives to empower their women members, as well as realising their potentials in statecraft.
From devising continuous programmes to educate young and senior women members on politics to pushing the agenda for greater representation at the nation’s helm, women politicians in Malaysia are clear on their efforts to hoist themselves as leaders.
An example of such concentrated efforts can be seen in Wanita MCA, which the party’s central committee member Chan Quin Er says has been instrumental in pushing for greater representation of women within the party structure and in electoral politics.
She points out that in recent years, Wanita MCA has been more vocal in advocating for a minimum 30% quota for women candidates in general elections.
“While this goal has not been fully realised, it has sparked important discussions within the party about gender representation,” Chan says.
She says the wing remains focused on leadership development programmes specifically tailored for women as part of several initiatives aimed to equip them with the skills and knowledge necessary for political participation.
“These programmes often include modules on public speaking, policy analysis and campaign management. The goal is to create a pool of capable women leaders who can take on more significant roles within the party and stand as candidates in elections.
“The party has also made efforts to increase the visibility of its women leaders. In recent years, we’ve seen more women from MCA being appointed to key party positions and being given prominent roles in election campaigns. This increased visibility serves not only to showcase the party’s commitment to women’s leadership but also, hopefully, to inspire other women to consider political careers.”
An example of such efforts bearing fruit is the election of Nicole Wong as MCA’s first woman national Youth chief for the party in 2018. The Youth wing has always been traditionally led by men.
Wong was MCA's first national Youth chief.
Wong says Wanita MCA consistently runs advocacy campaigns to highlight the importance of women’s participation in politics and to address the barriers they face.
Wong says women’s influence in charting a party’s direction leads to a more inclusive, equitable and effective political organisation that is better equipped to serve the needs of all constituents.
“Women bring unique perspectives and experiences to the table, enriching the party’s understanding of various issues. Their inclusion ensures that policies and decisions are more comprehensive and representative of the entire population.
“This diversity in thought leads to more well-rounded and effective policies that address the needs of all constituents.”
Wanita PKR Deputy Chief Juwairiya Zulkifli says in terms of promoting women’s involvement in politics, her party’s constitution included a special clause to reserve a 30% quota for women in its leadership line-up.
In May, the party launched a programme called Sekolah Wanita (SWAN), which aims to educate 100 women members on democracy and politics to create a new layer of leadership for the party.
Juwairiya: PKR launched a programme called Sekolah Wanita (SWAN).
SWAN is also open to all women regardless of political parties.
“Women are becoming more independent and vocal as part of their contributions in nation building. We are getting more recognition and trust to rebuild the community and facilitating policies and environment that promotes gender equality.”
Within a similar vein, PAS central working committee member Dr Najihatussalehah Ahmad says the Islamic party had initiated several programmes aimed at encouraging women’s involvement in politics, including the setting up of its training centres Saiditina Aisyah Study Academy and Islamic Dakwah Cadreship and Leadership Training Institute.
“We also have programmes to keep (party members) up to date with current affairs and the impact on women, workshops on legal advocation by our respective bureaus especially in matters related to the parliament and state constituencies, as well as the creation of a unit for young Muslimahs, called ‘Ameerah’, which specialises in political education for young women.
Dr Najihatussalehah says the PAS women members are now involved in the top tiers of the party’s leadership, including the Syura Council which is its highest decision-making body.
As for Muda, a party which is known for its youthful line-up, the mission to become an organisation which represents the true gender demography, remains.
“The establishment of a 50% gender quota for state elections, which has led to more than half of Muda’s candidates being women is one of the key initiatives the party has done in this agenda.
“This move underscores the party’s commitment to gender equality and sets a standard for other political entities in Malaysia,” says its acting president Amira Aisya Abdul Aziz.
Amira: Muda established a 50% gender quota for candidates in state elections.
She says Muda actively encourages female leadership by fostering an environment where male leaders act as allies in the journey toward gender equality.
“This inclusive approach ensures that the party’s leadership is not only supportive of women but also actively works to dismantle barriers that hinder women’s political participation.”
“At Muda, we believe that having more women in leadership roles will lead to more balanced and fair governance, addressing the unique challenges faced by different segments of our society.
“As a youth-focused party, we see the increasing involvement of women in leadership as essential to creating a more just and progressive Malaysia.”
