STATEMENT BY
DR. SENUTHA POOPALE RATTHINAN
DEPUTY UNDERSECRETARY
POLICY AND STRATEGIC PLANNING DIVISION
MINISTRY OF WOMEN, FAMILY AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
AT THE GENERAL DISCUSSION OF THE
67TH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN
THURSDAY, 9 MARCH 2023, GENERAL ASSEMBLY HALL, UNHQ
Thank you, Madam Chair.
Malaysia aligns itself with the statements delivered by Indonesia on behalf of ASEAN and Belarus on behalf of the Group of Friends of the Family.
2. Malaysia welcomes this year’s priority theme. We view the theme as timely and imperative in ensuring an inclusive ecosystem for all, and in meeting the pledge of leaving no one behind, including in the fields of innovation and technology.
3. Technology has become an integral part of our daily life. It has drastically changed the way we live, work, and communicate. The role and importance of technology was significantly amplified during the COVID-19 pandemic, whereby society was forced to rely more heavily on technology. As we undertake efforts to accelerate digital development, we must not lose sight of the digital divide created by the lack of accessibility, ability and opportunities.
4. Malaysia is cognisant of the need for progress towards narrowing the digital gender gap, as well as in increasing the participation of women and girls in science, technology, engineering and mathematics or STEM. In recent years, a lot of emphasis and resources have been devoted in connecting everyone to the internet. Technology is at its best when it brings people together. Hence, we are implementing strategic structural reforms, continuously improving action plans and strengthen digital infrastructure across the country to promote inclusivity.
5. Malaysia has made significant headways in providing quality, accessible and affordable access to ICT for households as well as access to mobile phones for women. According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia, access to mobile phones among women have increased from 95 percent in 2020 to 97 percent in 2021. Digital platforms have been designed to be inherently flexible to expand potential reach to all. The focus is to ensure that technology is designed, built and provided around the different needs, and with the participation of individuals and communities.
Madam Chair,
6. Malaysia recognises the immense power of information and technologies to create economic and social opportunities for women nationwide, including in rural areas. We continue to improve women’s equal representation and participation in the digital economy domain. While advancing women and girls in the digital space is a priority, the dangers of online gender-based violence also needs to be addressed. This includes obscene, offensive and threatening online content.
7. In safeguarding digital platforms and ensuring a safe environment for all, Malaysia has undertaken a number of legislative and policy measures. These include the passing of the landmark Anti-Sexual Harassment Act in 2022, the tabling of amendments to the Penal Code to criminalise stalking, and the implementation of the Child Online Protection (COP) Plan.
8. Malaysia also has made considerable progress in gender equality in STEM-related courses and jobs. We are aiming to further improve this by encouraging female participation in the workforce, which includes creating an enabling environment for women through up-skilling and re-skilling opportunities, mentorship, as well as incentivising childcare facilities at the workplace. Multisectoral collaboration are also helping in promoting positive outcomes to address social determinants of technology, and in reducing inequalities.
Madam Chair,
9. Malaysia strongly believes that innovation, technological change and digital literacy contributes to narrowing the digital gender gap. Technology is levelling the playing field and providing everyone with opportunities that were previously difficult or impossible, by optimising the use of resources and time. By making the technological transition in an enabling and safe environment, women will have access to better economic and social opportunities. This will thus ensure that women and girls are not left behind in the digital era.
I thank you.