MWGF 2024: Empowering women for nation building and equality
Prominent figures join MWGF 2024 to address gender inequality and empowerment
KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysia Women and Girls Forum (MWGF) 2024, themed "Women and Nation Building: The Foundation for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion," convened on Dec 12 to address pressing gender equality issues.
Organised by the United Nations and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Malaysia, the forum brought together policymakers, academics, youth, and civil society representatives to discuss strategies for advancing women's rights and empowerment.
MWGF Secretariat Head Tehmina Kaoosji expressed hopes that the programme's discussions and resolutions would generate a list of actionable solutions for advancing gender equality and equity in Malaysia.
“As we stand at the crossroads of development in 2024, six short years away from the 2030 SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals), we must ask ourselves, are we creating a Malaysia where all citizens, regardless of gender, have equal access to opportunities and resources?
“Are we fostering a society where women and girls, in all their diversity, can thrive and contribute meaningfully to national growth?
"The answer, truthfully, is no—not quite yet. That is why we have come together today for MWGF 2024, Women and Nation Building: The Foundation for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion,” Tehmina said during the programme held at the Connexion Conference & Convention Centre (Nexus), Bangsar South.
The event, which was live-streamed to the public via Facebook and YouTube, tackled various issues. Topics included gender equality, women’s empowerment, female representation in public life, societal stereotypes, structural challenges, and the gender gap in political representation.
Discussions also focused on ensuring women’s participation in Malaysia’s political, social, and economic sectors, as well as highlighting the historical and current challenges faced by women.
This year’s edition marked the forum’s fourth iteration since its inception in 2020.
Prominent figures who participated in the event included Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching and Senator Datuk Seri Dr Zurainah Musa.
Several panellists and moderators also contributed, including Bukit Bendera MP Syerleena Abdul Rashid, PACOS Trust Executive Director Anne Lasimbang, Inceif University Malaysia’s Professor Dr Aishath Muneeza, and many other notable speakers.
In her virtual address, Women, Family, and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri commended the forum's focus on gender equality and women's empowerment.
She acknowledged the significant progress made in recent years but emphasised the need for continued efforts to create a more inclusive society.
UNFPA Malaysia Country Representative Dr Julitta Onabanjo highlighted the importance of women's participation in nation-building and stressed the need to address persistent challenges such as gender-based discrimination and violence.
She called for greater efforts to ensure women's equal access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
“The momentum continues, the voices grow louder, and Malaysia’s vision of shared prosperity and sustainable development requires guaranteeing human rights and social justice, including increased women’s participation and leadership,” she said.
She emphasised that a truly inclusive society requires equal agency for both men and women in shaping the country’s future. Dr Julitta also pointed out persistent social norms, discrimination, and stereotypes that hinder women’s potential, from wage parity to leadership opportunities.
She called for addressing legislative inequalities, the burden of unpaid care work, and ensuring universal access to reproductive health services. She also stressed the need to eliminate violence against women and children to enable greater female representation in nation-building.
“Uplifting women and girls is key to navigating today’s intersecting challenges. Their presence, voices, and perspectives must be celebrated and reflected in governance systems and policies,” she added.
In a related matter, United Nations Resident Coordinator Karima El Korri stressed the pivotal role of women in shaping Malaysia's future. She urged for greater efforts to empower women and girls, particularly in areas such as leadership and decision-making.
“Advancing women’s political participation is a cornerstone of healthy democracies.
"It ensures that every individual has equal rights to shape decisions, contribute to the collective good, and build a prosperous future,” Karima said.
She stated that Malaysia, on the cusp of high-income status, must fully and effectively include women in its economic, political, and social fabric to achieve a just and equitable society.
