A spotlight on gender barriers

The Star

27-04-2025

Empowering women: (From left) Rebecca Fatima, UCSI Faculty of Social Sciences and Liberal Arts Prof Dr Chan Nee Nee, Prof Siti Hamisah, Tunku Zain Al'-Abidin, Tengku Dr Naufal, Mahuran Saro and UCSI Faculty of Social Sciences and Liberal Arts dean Prof Dr Rogayah Razak posing for a photo at the conference.
Malaysia could take up to 100 years to close gender gaps if meaningful actions are not taken now, said Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (Ideas) director Tan Sri Dr Rebecca Fatima Sta Maria.
Citing data from the World Economic Forum, she said while Malaysia had made commendable progress, much more needs to be done to bridge the gap and overcome barriers.
'Malaysia is ranked the lowest among nine Asean countries for political power and representation – particularly in Parliament
'Only 13.5% of our elected representatives are women,' said Rebecca Fatima, who is the former Investment, Trade and Industry (Miti) secretary-general.
Speaking at UCSI University's 'Women Empowerment Conference: She Shines – a Celebration of Women's Voices' on April 11, she stressed the importance of giving more visibility to women who often go unheard.
'There are structural and cultural barriers that must be addressed if we are to give wings to the ambition and drive of our women and girls.
'This includes enacting laws that strengthen a better and more balanced ecosystem,' she said, adding that universities are well-positioned to support policymakers through objective, data-based evaluation of public policies and programmes.
The conference also saw the staging of a play titled Women of Nusantara: Their Seen and Unseen Worlds.
The brainchild of Wilkes University Fulbright programme adviser Prof Dr Gina Zanolini Morrison, the play explored the spiritual beliefs and practices of working women in the Malay Archipelago.
Based on her three years of fieldwork in the region, the play's delivery showcased a dynamic two-way academic exchange between Eastern and Western perspectives.
'The people of this region have taught me so much and I want to share my research findings differently,' said Prof Morrison, who thanked UCSI vice-chancellor Emerita Prof Datuk Dr Siti Hamisah Tapsir for her support over the past 17 years.
'She encouraged me to embark on this research and gave me the space to transform it into art.
'That's what women who empower other women do,' she said in a press release from the varsity.
The event was officiated by UCSI pro-chancellor Tunku Zain Al-'Abidin Tuanku Muhriz, who paid tribute to Malaysian women like Malaysia's two-time first lady Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, squash legend Datuk Nicol David and former Bank Negara governor Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz.
'These remarkable women and countless others across our nation are not just participants but drivers of change, catalysts for progress and role models for future generations of Malaysian women and girls.
'Let us move beyond outdated perceptions and recognise women as equal leaders in shaping a just, equitable and prosperous future,' he said.
The conference also welcomed panel speakers including DTE Consult founder Tengku Dr Naufal Tengku Mansor and TalentCorp Malaysia senior vice-president Mahuran Saro Sariki.