Possible to achieve 30 per cent female MPs target, says Nancy

Focus

By MUKHRIZ MAT HUSIN

23 May 2023 04:01pm

Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri during the question and answer session at the 15th Parliament Second Term First Meeting at the Parliament Building on Monday. - Bernama pic

KUALA LUMPUR - Although the goal of achieving 30 per cent women MPs may be seen unreachable but it should not be considered as impossible.

Women, Family, and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said it requires both the opposition and the government to achieve the objective.

“There are no legislation or amendments to force parties in giving the opportunity or space for women to represent at least thirty per cent of the Parliament.

“Personally, I view it as something that is out of reach. But it’s not impossible if all parties were sincere and seriously took the initiative in realising it.

“This goal depends on the political will and determination to achieve it,” she said.

Nancy was replying to Datuk Seri Noraini Ahmad (BN-Parti Sulong) who asked the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry to state its efforts in encouraging the inclusion of women in parliament to reach 30 per cent.

Currently the number of women MP has yet to reach 20 per cent in Parliament.

Nancy said the government has outlined and implemented several strategies to support the efforts in achieving the goal of 30 per cent of women in decision-making positions.

She said it includes improving the legislation and policies to create a safe and supportive environment for women, ensuring opportunities and access to training, promoting awareness and collaborating with diverse stakeholders.

“The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry is also collaborating with universities, NGOs, and the private sector in implementing various forms of training to empower women with skills and resilience to compete in the formal job market," she said.

Nancy added that the efforts and initiative taken in achieving women’s involvement were recognised by the world when the Malaysian delegation represented by her ministry was awarded the Ministerial Award for its presentation titled ‘Women Empowerment: At Least 30 per cent of Women in Decision Making Position’ at the 2023 Global Summit of Women held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates earlier this month.