STATEMENT (3C) : 80TH UNGA HIGH LEVEL MEETING ON THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE WORLD CONFERENCE ON WOMEN

STATEMENT BY

MS. SHARMINI DEVI GOPAL

DELEGATE OF MALAYSIA TO THE 80^TH SESSION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

80^TH UNGA HIGH LEVEL MEETING ON THE 30^TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE WORLD CONFERENCE ON WOMEN

Mr. President,

Thirty years ago, the world united in a landmark commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. While significant progress has been made, persistent challenges remain, such as violence, low political participation, economic inequality and the continued objectification of women. As progress unfolds unevenly across regions, the year 2025 offers a critical opportunity to reaffirm our shared commitment to ensure that no one is truly left behind.

2. Malaysia reaffirms its commitment to women’s empowerment. Our revised National Women’s Policy and Women’s Development Plan 2025–2030 provide a roadmap to promote economic empowerment, ensure access to education and healthcare, and strengthen women’s voices in decision-making.

3. We have strengthened legal protections against gender-based violence, improved workplace policies to boost female participation and promoted women’s leadership in politics and business. Our Anti-Sexual Harassment Act 2022, among the first of its kind in the region, established a tribunal for victims. In 2023, we have also criminalised stalking, enabling protection orders and stronger enforcement measures.

Mr. President,

4. Women’s leadership continues to grow in Malaysia.  As of today, 39.3 percent of decision making positions in the public sector are held by women.  In the private sector, 31.4 percent of board seats in the top 100 listed companies are now occupied by women, meeting our 2030 national target, four years ahead of schedule. 

5. We recognise that economic development alone is not enough. To this end, the Government has launched the National Social Policy 2030, aimed at enhancing the welfare of women, families, children, older persons and persons with disabilities. Complementing this is our National Children’s Policy, which safeguards children from violence and promotes their holistic growth.

6. Aligned with UN Security Council Resolution 1325, Malaysia also joined the global community and launched its first National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security, embedding women’s leadership in peacebuilding, conflict prevention and national security efforts.

7. While we celebrate these achievements, we acknowledge that global crises and disparities, continue to disproportionately impact women. We therefore reaffirm our commitment to international cooperation, the sharing of best practices and collective action to accelerate progress on gender equality.

Mr President and Distinguished Delegates,

8. Today’s commemoration must serve as a renewed call to action: to dismantle barriers, advance equal opportunities and build inclusive societies. As the Chair of ASEAN this year, Malaysia is eager to strengthen regional collaboration on women’s empowerment and warmly welcomes you to Visit Malaysia Year 2026 to witness our progress firsthand.

I thank you.

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