Monday January 31, 2011
KUALA LUMPUR: The government is seeking to have at least 30% of women holding decision-making positions within the civil service as well as within the private sector in the future.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the target was realistic as long as there was sustainability among capable career women.
“Women make up 45% of the work force in this country,” he said at the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry’s 10th anniversary celebration held at the Putra World Trade Centre recently.
“However, this figure does not compare with their enormous contributions to the country’s economic development.
“Women play an important role in the country’s development over many decades in various sectors.”
Najib said there are many women of calibre, though many chose to resign after working for a few years due to family commitments.
He added that sustaining this dynamic group of career women is critical as they contribute significantly to the nation’s development.
“If more women are willing to build their careers, I am confident they can fill the high positions offered in these sectors,” he said.
The Prime Minister said women in Malaysia were fortunate as there is no gender discrimination in the workplace that would hinder them from holding high-ranked positions.