By Yasmin Ramlan
SHAH ALAM, Mar 3 — Although women comprise nearly 48 per cent of Malaysia’s population, their representation in decision-making roles remains disproportionately low.
The same can be said of Selangor. Since the 2023 state elections, only nine out of the 56 constituencies have been represented by female lawmakers, prompting a clear and pressing need for the administration to change this political landscape.
Its target? It plans to achieve 50 per cent of female participation in positions that require decision-making and bring about greater gender inclusivity in politics.
Efforts to rectify this imbalance have already gained momentum, with the state government pledging to ensure equal leadership opportunities for women and spearheading initiatives to amplify women’s voices in leadership.
At the forefront of this mission is Wanita Berdaya Selangor (WBS), established in 2021, which actively dismantles barriers to female participation and fosters an inclusive political ecosystem.
By examining the underlying causes of the current gender gap, WBS is committed to paving the way for increased female involvement in important decision-making roles within the state. This aligns with Malaysia’s broader commitment to empowering women, as reflected in national policies to bridge gender disparities in politics and governance.
“The state has already seen progress in local councils, where women are increasingly represented among councillors,” said WBS chief executive officer Siti Faridah Abdul Samad during a recent interview with Media Selangor.
Faridah said this success is a testament to the effectiveness of initiatives like WBS, which analyse the causes of underrepresentation and work towards creating systemic changes that support women’s leadership.
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Wanita Berdaya Selangor (WBS) chief executive officer Siti Faridah Abdul Samad during an interview with Media Selangor in Shah Alam, on February 20, 2025. — Picture by AHMAD ZAKKI JILAN/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
“WBS views this (the decline of female representatives) as a critical area where we must intensify focus. We are not discouraged.
“Instead, this statistic strengthens our resolve to advocate for support and empower more women to enter politics. We are analysing the potential causes of this decline and using the information to refine our strategies and initiatives.
“We are committed to working with all stakeholders, political parties, civil societies, organisations and the government to create a more supportive environment for women in politics,” she said.
Siti Faridah stated that to strengthen the legal reform efforts within the Selangor State Legislative Assembly, discussions have been held with Speaker Lau Weng San, including proposals to create additional seats for women.
She cited examples of countries that have implemented incentives to motivate political parties to field 30 per cent of women candidates in elections.
“I believe that kind of initiative works as an intervention for political parties. But the root causes must be addressed,” she said.
Siti Faridah highlighted that the barriers for women in politics include societal expectations, work-life balance struggles, harassment, and limited access to resources. She also stressed on the need to raise awareness among political leaders to actively support women candidates — a factor that is essential for greater participation.
She said there is a need to increase awareness among top political party leaders regarding women’s crucial role in decision-making, noting that applying a gender lens in policymaking is essential.
This is to ensure that decisions address the diverse needs of various groups.
“We can address the different needs for each group,” she said.
Training and mentorships
The Selangor government has promoted women’s empowerment through various initiatives, including the Selangor Women’s Assembly (Siwanis), a simulation of the Selangor State Assembly designed to empower women in decision-making processes.
Now in its third year, the programme provides intensive training, policy analysis, and mock assembly simulations to equip participants with the skills to navigate politics and build strategic networks.
“The most important and effective advocates for their communities are also proud of the mentorship component in Siwanis, where we work closely with our state assembly members as their mentors. They also go through the policy-making process.
“This experience allows them to understand how the state assembly endorses enactments. I believe that by giving them exposure and experience, we will encourage them to be among the women leaders in politics in the future,” she said.
Additionally, Faridah said Siwanis also draws from existing women’s empowerment programmes like the Empowered Women’s Centre (PWB) and Selangor Young Women Entrepreneur (Usahawanita) — offering a platform for emerging leaders and bridging leadership gaps.
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Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari (center) with members of the Empowered Women’s Centre or Pusat Wanita Berdaya (PWB) during the Selangor Women’s Empowerment (WBS) Certificate Presentation and Appreciation Ceremony at the Ideal Convention Centre (IDCC), Shah Alam, on January 20, 2025. — Picture by AHMAD ZAKKI JILAN/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
Amplifying women’s voices
Prof Dr Kartini Aboo Talib @ Khalid, Deputy Director of the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Institute of Ethnic Studies, identified several factors that have contributed to the decline in women’s political participation in Selangor.
She stated that cultural and societal norms often limit women’s involvement, as political careers are typically seen as male-dominated, with family and community roles taking precedence over public life.
Additionally, structural barriers within political parties and government systems, such as discrimination in candidate selection and a lack of mentorship, continue to hinder women’s access to leadership positions.
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Deputy Director of the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Institute of Ethnic Studies Prof Dr Kartini Aboo Talib @ Khalid. — Picture via UKM[/caption]
“Finally, electoral dynamics, in which women may face more challenges in elections, especially if political parties do not prioritise female candidates.
“There’s also a lack of representation in decision-making bodies, which can perpetuate gender inequality and undermine policies that could foster female political participation,” she said.
Kartini lauded WBS for its critical role in increasing female participation in Selangor politics and tackling gender disparities.
She said the organisation advocates for 50 per cent of female representation in decision-making, pushing for greater female leadership positions and empowering women at the grassroots level.
Furthermore, she said through events, campaigns, and collaborations, WBS ensures women’s voices are heard, championing policies that benefit women in Selangor’s diverse and complex political landscape.
However, Kartini said several important strategies can be pursued to increase female participation in politics.
Political parties should commit to gender parity by adopting quotas or providing clear pathways for women to run for office.
“Encouraging the nomination of women in key positions and providing training and mentorship are vital steps,” she said.
Kartini said financial support, capacity-building programmes, and local political training can help overcome barriers for women candidates.
Additionally, female leaders must mentor and support future women leaders, fostering a strong network for guidance and confidence.
She also said changing societal perceptions through public awareness campaigns, implementing gender-equal laws, and making the political arena more accessible will greatly help to advance women’s political involvement.
“They would make it easier for women to participate without facing discrimination.
“The political arena must be more accessible to women, especially those who are marginalised, including women of colour, rural women, and women with disabilities.
“Ensuring equal access to resources, support systems, and platforms is crucial,” she said.
This article is published in conjunction with International Women’s Day on March 8, 2025, with the theme “Accelerate Action”.
