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.
"Unless we recognise all these invisible barriers and challenges and address them, it's going to be very difficult to fulfil the quota of women representation in the political space," she said at the sidelines of the APAC Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Summit launch today.
It was reported in October last year that women participation in decision making positions in the public sector had reached 38.3 per cent.
Women, Family and Community Development Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the target of 30 per cent women holding such positions in the private corporate sectors had not yet been achieved.
However, women representation in the country's political scene was relatively low. In May this year, it was reported that women only make up 16.1 per cent of cabinet members, 13.5 per cent of members of parliament and 17 per cent of senators.
Following this, Anne said a lot of support from focus groups, government and relevant individuals are required to change the situation.
"There's going to be a lot of support required and it has to come from both male and female in the political scene, a lot of government support, a lot of individuals that really want and believe in the situation," she said.