BANGI, Sept 24 - Gender equality must be seen as not just a social justice issue, but also a catalyst to socio-economic development, said Bandar Tun Razak MP Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.
“Efforts to narrow the gender gap are important because women have a significant role in contributing to economic growth and community well-being.
“We must ensure women have the space and opportunities to contribute in various fields, including the economy, leadership, and national development,” she said when speaking at the Gender Outlook Forum (GOF), organised by Wanita Berdaya Selangor (WBS), at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) here today.
Also present were state executive councillor for women empowerment and welfare Anfaal Saari, WBS chief executive officer Siti Faridah Abdul Samad, and UKM deputy vice-chancellor (academic and international affairs) Prof Datuk Fariza Md Sham.
Dr Wan Azizah said the Malaysia Gender Gap Index (MGGI) education achievements sub-index showed a score of 1.073, indicating that women have surpassed men in the field.
“Meanwhile, the health and life sub-indexes logged a score of 0.962, while women’s life expectancy in Malaysia reached 77.6 years.
“Besides that, based on MGGI 2026, Malaysia had an overall score of 0.708, while Selangor recorded 0.725,” she added.
She also said strong support systems are essential, especially for mothers balancing family obligations with economic participation, adding that social protection schemes like i-Suri and i-Sayang are among efforts to reinforce support for women.
She highlighted the importance of cooperation between the state government, Women, Family and Community Development Ministry (KPWKM), agencies concerned, and the private sector in developing an environment that supports women’s participation in national development.
During the event, Gender-Responsive Budget Manual was launched to guide local authorities in systematically integrating gender perspectives in budget planning and distribution.
Dr Wan Azizah also witnessed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) exchange between WBS and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
GOF covered various issues including gender equality, Islamic family law, economic inequalities, digitalisation, the care economy, and women’s participation in politics.