Malaysia Targets 60 Per Cent Female Workforce Participation by 2033, Says Women’s Ministry
BUKIT MERTAJAM — The Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development Malaysia has set a target to raise female labour force participation to 60 per cent by 2033, as part of its long-term strategy to strengthen women’s role in national development.
Deputy Minister Lim Hui Ying said the target was formulated based on current workforce trends, which indicate steady progress in women’s economic participation.
She noted that the national female labour force participation rate currently stands at around 56.9 per cent, while Penang records a higher rate of 57.6 per cent.
“These figures show that women are playing an increasingly vital role in driving economic growth, strengthening social resilience and contributing to family well-being,” she said.
Lim was speaking at the state-level International Women’s Day celebration held at the Seberang Perai City Council Civic Centre.
Also present were Mayor Baderul Amin Abdul Hamid, Deputy Director-General of the Women’s Development Department Faridah Awang, and Penang Women’s Development Director Ahmad Shukri Jamaluddin.
Lim said achieving the 60 per cent target would require a comprehensive approach involving education, skills training, welfare support and more inclusive employment opportunities.
She stressed that the government is focusing on capacity-building programmes, reskilling initiatives and exposure to high-growth sectors such as digital technology, creative industries and community-based entrepreneurship.
“Women must be equipped with future-ready skills so they can compete effectively in a technology-driven and innovation-led economy,” she said.
As Member of Parliament for Tanjong, Lim also highlighted the importance of strengthening women’s participation in the creative economy, which offers strong potential in fields such as digital content, media, design and cultural-based enterprises.
At the same time, the ministry is prioritising efforts to help homemakers and women who have left the workforce re-enter employment.
These initiatives include vocational training, childcare support, part-time job opportunities and more flexible working arrangements that support work-life balance.
“Many women have strong potential but are constrained by family responsibilities. Our goal is to ensure they are not left behind and continue to have access to economic opportunities,” she added.
Lim emphasised that collaboration with the private sector, educational institutions and civil society organisations is essential in building a sustainable support ecosystem for women.
She said increasing women’s participation in the workforce not only benefits individuals, but also boosts national productivity, broadens the economic base and enhances Malaysia’s global competitiveness.
With consistent policy implementation and strong multi-sector cooperation, the ministry is confident that the 60 per cent target by 2033 can be achieved, paving the way for a more inclusive, progressive and balanced society.
-wilayah.com.my
