Women are almost half (49%) of the Malaysian population but represent only 14% of the 222 seats in the Dewan Rakyat, and only 15.6% of ministers in the Cabinet were women. This is far behind the global standards. The government of Malaysia should mandate more women to take part in politics in order to fall in line with the universal standard of 30% female representation in government. Global studies show that temporary special measures (gender quotas) lead to an increase in women’s political representation.

In the last few years, Malaysians across the board have been tested - the significant hit of the pandemic, economic uncertainty, political instability, with women issues taking a significant backseat - causing deeper disparity. 

Malaysia has been floating the minimum quota of 30% women in political seats since the 1990s with little traction to move the needle in that direction. We have been circling around the same conversation around gender disparity in politics and the same stagnant goals for over 20 years. In the recent years, women participation in politics have become a heated topic, with several organizations and institutions demanding the quota be mandated, recognizing that women make up the backbone of our society and whose voices need to be represented in our political decision making arm. This translates into all issues being addresses through the lens of a women - economics issues are women issues, environmental issues are women issues, financial issues are women issues - and it's time for these issues to address through a women's voice. 

Malaysia is just eight years away from 2030, the deadline to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which includes providing equal opportunities to women and men in the political, economic and other fields.

With the upcoming elections, it has become more vital than ever for us to demand the increase in women participation: so what does this look like exactly? Simple.

1. Demand for all political parties and leadership to field 50% - 60% women leaders in the upcoming elections GE15 

2. Demand for the 30% women representation in Dewan Negara and Dewan Rakyat be mandated through a constitutional amendment. 

We need to act now. Join us to get more women elected in 2023 for a more inclusive Malaysia.

We call on the acting Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato' Sri Ismail Sabri and political leaders from all political parties to take action for a constitutional amendment that legislates a 30% quota in Dewan Negara and Dewan Rakyat. 

For more information on the campaign head to: 
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