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Stereotypical thinking and inconducive environment are invisible barriers for women in politics

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August 8, 2024

Stereotypical thinking and inconducive environment are invisible barriers for women in politics

Source: New Straits Times

KUALA LUMPUR: Women representation in the country's political scene is still low due to stereotypical thinking and inconducive environment which prohibits them from venturing into the arena.

LeadWomen Sdn Bhd founder Anne Abraham said these two factors were the main invisible barriers prohibiting the increase of women representation in Malaysia's political scene.

She said unless these barriers were recognised and addressed, the fulfilment of the 30 per cent women quota in the country's political scene would be difficult to achieve.

Comparing the situation with representation of women in the workforce, Anne said the minimum quota of women in the workforce was successfully achieved due to clear aspirational targets.

"The corporate sector has been successful in meeting the 30 per cent quota as there was a clear target that we want 30 per cent representation and there are stakeholders that help to drive that aspiration," she said.

However, she said stereotypical thinking that the political arena is no place for had created an inconducive environment for them in many ways.

Read here the full article published by the New Straits Times on 8 August 2024.

Image by New Straits Times

 
Region
Author
Qistina Sallehuddin
Focus areas

KUALA LUMPUR: Women representation in the country's political scene is still low due to stereotypical thinking and inconducive environment which prohibits them from venturing into the arena.

LeadWomen Sdn Bhd founder Anne Abraham said these two factors were the main invisible barriers prohibiting the increase of women representation in Malaysia's political scene.

She said unless these barriers were recognised and addressed, the fulfilment of the 30 per cent women quota in the country's political scene would be difficult to achieve.

Comparing the situation with representation of women in the workforce, Anne said the minimum quota of women in the workforce was successfully achieved due to clear aspirational targets.

"The corporate sector has been successful in meeting the 30 per cent quota as there was a clear target that we want 30 per cent representation and there are stakeholders that help to drive that aspiration," she said.

However, she said stereotypical thinking that the political arena is no place for had created an inconducive environment for them in many ways.

Read here the full article published by the New Straits Times on 8 August 2024.

Image by New Straits Times

 
Region
Author
Qistina Sallehuddin
Focus areas