The theme for the national IWD celebration this year, “Wanita Dijulang Negara Gemilang,” emphasizes the vital role of women in the nation’s progress and development. It’s crucial to recognize that nation-building is a shared responsibility, and women must have equal representation in Parliament. To achieve this, at least 30 percent of the 222 seats in the Dewan Rakyat should be filled by women.
Currently, Malaysia lags behind in female representation, ranking 150th out of 184 countries. Rwanda leads with 61.3% of women in Parliament, while several countries have no female representation at all.
The DAP has taken proactive steps to promote gender equality by amending its party constitution to ensure 30% representation of women in its top decision-making body. Post GE15, DAP emerged as the party with the highest number of women Parliamentarians in the Dewan Rakyat, demonstrating its commitment to women’s political empowerment.
Increasing women’s representation in leadership positions within political parties is crucial, as it paves the way for more women candidates. However, it is essential that institutionalised biases and discrimination against women are checked to ensure their fair participation in politics.
Political parties must develop comprehensive roadmaps to train, mentor, and support women as viable candidates at all levels of government. This requires not only political will but also financial resources and grassroot support.
The women’s agenda should not be superficial but backed by genuine commitment to drive progress and development. Attention to key pillars such as women’s empowerment, supportive ecosystems, capacity building, and social welfare is vital for a prosperous nation.
On this International Women’s Day, let us pledge to support political parties that champion women’s rights and provide platforms for female leaders, activists, and journalists to thrive. Together, we can break barriers and ensure the voices of all women are heard loud and clear in Parliament.
Happy International Women’s Day!