The representation of women in politics continues to remain at an unimpressive level although much effort has been put in to encourage women to join politics.

“Although globally the percentage of women in Parliament has doubled these 20 years, women only make up 22 percent of female MPs in 2015,” said Penang state executive councillor Chong Eng.

“In Malaysia, generally, the percentage of women in Parliament and state legislative assemblies are only about 10 percent,” said Chong Eng at the International Women’s Day (IWD) celebration in George Town today.

This year’s IWD theme is 'Pledge for Parity' as progress towards gender parity has slowed in many places, which will be celebrated globally tomorrow.

In 2015, the World Economic Forum had predicted that the gender gap would not close entirely until 2033.

Chong Eng said gender inequality has an impact on women’s representation in politics.

For example, based on stereotyping and gender expectation, family is the priority for women, while for men, the emphasis is on obtaining a good income to financially sustain the family, she added.

She said such gender division of labour leads to various situations of gender gaps in society, including in the area of politics, work and social life, not only in Malaysia, but the whole world.

She added that gender continues to play a role in work and family life.

Of the 100 women in Malaysia, 11.1 percent never worked outside home, 46.5 percent still work outside home after marriage and 42.2 percent stopped working outside home after marriage.

“Our studies show that 18.7 percent of women working outside home face inequality in work and life; 51.9 percent do not have enough time with their families and 34.2 percent hope their employers would provide child care facilities,” she said.

Her research is based on Fifth Population and Family Survey which has been conducted recently by the National Population and Family Development Board.

Chong Eng said women must use their votes wisely to demand for a government that implements gender equality policies and practices.

Very meaningful

Meanwhile, Penang Women’s Development Centre programme manager. Karen Lai, said in conjunction with this year’s IWD celebrations on March, 12 events in four languages are planned on the island and Seberang Perai.

The events include a forum on 'Ini hal lelaki (this is men’s issue)', which is jointly organised with the Penang Island City Council on March 15. It targets male staff to get them involved in gender issues together with their female colleagues.

Lai said another programme is the launch of a 'graffiti wall' at the Youth Park on March 19, which is jointly organised with a local college of fine arts.

“There are at least 13 programmes organised by the state government’s council on youths and sports, women’s development, family and community including events held at various parliamentary constituencies.

“This wide range of programmes is very meaningful and shows the state government’s commitment towards appreciation and empowerment of women in Penang,” she added.