PUTRAJAYA, June 25 - The increase in the female labour force participation rate (FLPR) to 56.2 per cent in 2023 from 45.7 per cent in 1982 put the country on track to achieve the 60 per cent target by 2030 under the Madani Economy framework, said Chief Secretary to the Government (KSN) Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.
He said the uptrend over more than four decades reflects the increasingly important role played by women in national development and economic growth.
“Over the four-decade period from 1982 to 2023, the (FLPR) has shown an upward trend, rising from 45.7 per cent to 56.2 per cent.
“Under the Madani Economy, we are targeting a 60 per cent (FLPR) by 2030, and this figure shows we are on track to achieve it,” he said at the closing of the Malaysian Association of Civil Service Wives and Women Members (Puspanita) annual general meeting here today.
The ceremony was officiated by Puspanita patron Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, who is also Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s wife.
Shamsul Azri, who is Puspanita adviser, said women are strategic partners in national development and key contributors to the country’s economic growth, well-being and prosperity.
“There are 765,000 female civil servants in the public service, or 59 per cent of the workforce, meaning women now outnumber male civil servants,” he said.
He added that the government’s efforts to ensure the welfare of the people and strengthen the economy require support from all levels of society, including Puspanita members.
“This is where I see Puspanita playing a role as a strategic partner in shaping a society grounded in comprehensive and resilient human values,” he said.
Dr Wan Azizah meanwhile called on Puspanita to continue playing an important role in serving its members and the community through various welfare and community development programmes, reflecting that the culture of compassion remains central to its struggle.
“As patron of Puspanita, I hope future programmes will involve a wider range of target groups.
“Keep up this good effort by establishing strategic collaborations with various relevant parties to enhance its effectiveness and ensure more people can be assisted,” she said.
At the event, Dr Wan Azizah launched the first official Puspanita song.