Women@Work is a promising start

Muslim businesswoman who wears the traditional scarf is telling the co-worker her opinion. They both wearing formal suit standing in the office. One using a tablet, another holding a cup of coffee. Women in the work force. Retaining women employees. Gender disparity. Photo: 123rf.com

THE All Women’s Action Society (Awam) applauds the 2020 federal budget aimed at stimulating the economy, generating growth and improving the quality of life for Malaysians, especially the poor.

Awam notes that the government has set a target of achieving 60% in terms of the labour force participation rate (LFPR) for women. In 2018, the LFPR stood at 55.2% according to the National Department of Statistics. In order to achieve the 60%, we must look at this issue in the long-term. While the Women@Work to reintegrate women back into the workforce by creating 33,000 employment opportunities for women is very promising, other structures need to be in place to make this opportunity accessible to these women.