Women inequality still exists: Liew
Published on: Thursday, August 15, 2024
By: Crystal E Hermenegildus
Liew (middle), flanked by Swepa President Karen Wong (on her right) and Organising Chairman Sitti Bagaya Damsal, with foreign and local speakers, panellists and moderators at the opening ceremony.
Kota Kinabalu: State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew said women still face a long journey to achieve significant milestones due to persistent global gender inequalities.
Although women have made substantial strides socially and economically, she said existing gender disparities in education, the workplace, the economic sector and the political arena continue to persist.
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Liew said it would be a “miracle” if Malaysian women could secure 30 per cent of candidacies in the country’s next general election scheduled for 2027.
“Let’s see if this long-term aspiration of increasing women’s representation in politics will become a reality,” she said at the opening of the Sabah Women Entrepreneurs & Professionals Association (Swepa)’s International Women’s Conference (IWF), here, Wednesday.
However, Liew encouraged women not to be deterred from trying repeatedly and fighting for what they deserve.
“If you happen to experience a ‘glass ceiling’ at any point in your life, be it in home, workplace, society, state or nation, don’t ever give up.
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“If you fell yesterday, rise up today and move on. Believe in yourself that you have the will power and capacity to overcome any obstacle one way or another.
“When you face challenges, don’t break down in tears but be proactive and strong enough to address these challenges to emerge victorious, to realise your dream or to attain your goal in life,” she said.
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Liew said Malaysian women are fortunate compared to their counterparts in more conservative countries, where women have historically faced restrictions on work, education and driving.
Liew said the conference’s theme “Empowering Women Leaders: Breaking Barriers and Shaping the Future” strongly aligns with the collective mission to create a world where women can lead, innovate and inspire without constraints.
She pointed out the theme’s relevance, noting that women worldwide continue to break the proverbial glass ceiling.
“This is a global trend. Just look at US Vice-President Kamala Harris — nothing is stopping her from making a historic bid for the presidency. We wish her all the best in her endeavour,” Liew said.
She went on to point out that over the past decades, women in developed countries, particularly in the United Kingdom and Europe, have ascended to the highest ranks, taking on the roles of President or Prime Minister.
Liew also said even in countries like Indonesia, Pakistan and Bangladesh, women have held the reins of power without barriers.
“At this point, I wouldn’t rule out the possibility of Malaysia having its first woman Prime Minister in the future,” Liew said, emphasising that the country is not lacking in capable women leaders.
She cited the example of Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, who made history as Malaysia’s first female Deputy Prime Minister, breaking the glass ceiling in 2018 and serving the nation until 2020.
Liew also said another trailblazer, lawyer Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, who, in 2019, became the first woman to be appointed Chief Justice of Malaysia, leading the country’s judiciary.
“Here in Sabah, I am proud to say that many women have also shattered the glass ceiling, becoming pioneers in their respective fields and professions,” Liew said.
She listed achievements such as becoming the first woman to serve as State Minister, Ambassador, State Attorney-General, Deputy State Secretary, Member of Parliament, District Officer, Mayor and president of a municipal council, among others.
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