STATEMENT BY
MS. NUR FARIZA ZAHRIN
LONG-TERM DELEGATE TO THE 77TH UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY
PERMANENT MISSION OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS
DURING THE GENERAL DISCUSSION ON
AGENDA ITEM 26: ADVANCEMENT OF WOMEN
THIRD COMMITTEE OF THE 77TH UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY
UNITED NATIONS, NEW YORK, 4 OCTOBER 2022
Mr. Chair,
Malaysia aligns itself with the statement delivered by Thailand on behalf of ASEAN and Pakistan on behalf of the G77 and China.
Mr. Chair,
2. In our national statement at the General Debate a few weeks ago, the Honourable Prime Minister of Malaysia called on Member States to play their respective roles in overcoming the challenges we face, as one big family – the Keluarga Dunia or World Family. Malaysia believes that the international community must be united in our efforts in addressing global challenges, including in the advancement of women.
3. Despite the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Malaysia has constantly undertaken efforts to make incremental improvements in relation to women’s advancement and development through the implementation of various strategies and initiatives. Besides legislative and policy improvements, substantive progress is also reflected in our national development plan and federal budget, to ensure better representation of women in politics, the economy and the social sphere. These initiatives are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In fulfilling our obligations to international regimes, Malaysia has recently submitted its Sixth Periodic Report on the implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).
Mr. Chair,
4. In our efforts to enhance women’s capacity and increase their role as decision-makers, the Government has introduced a policy which requires 30 percent of women to be appointed at top management positions. We have achieved this in the public sector and now are focusing on the private sector. Under the 2022 Federal Budget unveiled last year, Public Listed Companies in Malaysia are required to appoint at least one female director to improve female directorship composition in the private sector.
5. Malaysia also continues to review and enact laws to enhance the safety and security of women and girls, and better protecting their rights. We are pleased to share that the Malaysian Parliament has recently passed the Anti-Sexual Harassment Bill on 11 August 2022, which offers protection to both men and women against sexual harassment. This new law will provide more security for women in the labour force, as it helps guarantee the right to a workplace that is protected, secure, free from discrimination and violence, and conducive in fulfilling their roles and responsibilities as a citizen, hence contributing to the development of the Malaysian economy. We are confident that this will also promote greater participation of women in the countries workforce.
Mr. Chair,
6. In increasing women’s participation in the economy and encouraging them to remain in the labour force, the Government is enhancing access to quality early childhood care and education services, as well as affordable elderly care. In addition, the Department of Women Development (DWD) of Malaysia is undertaking efforts to empower women to maximise their potential to contribute to the nation development process, as well as to offer assistance to marginalised women via multiple economic platforms, focusing on entrepreneurship development.
7. Moving forward, Malaysia will be introducing a Gender Mainstreaming Framework which includes, amongst others, capacity building programmes and the appointment of Gender Focal Points (GFP) in all Ministries. The Gender Focal Points will support gender mainstreaming efforts by advocating, advising as well as integrating gender perspectives in the implementation of policies, programmes and projects within their respective Ministries. Gender Focal Teams will be set-up to further enhance the effectiveness of this agenda.
Mr. Chair,
8. There is a Malay proverb that goes, “Sekepal menjadi gunung, setitik menjadi laut”, which loosely translates to – a lump of soil can amount to a mountain, and a drop of water can amount to an ocean. Malaysia believes that every little step we take today for the advancement of women will eventually contribute to the quest of the greater goal of a more inclusive society. Malaysia will continue to undertake efforts for the advancement of women domestically and at the international fora.
I thank you.