Women Talk, TV3's latest female-centric talk show has prominent Malaysians share views on various issues affecting women
THE country's first private television network TV3 has not had women-centric talk shows in English for years. However, April 2022 marks the return of such shows, in the form of Women Talk, co-produced by popular actress, television host and former Miss Malaysia Datin Elaine Daly.
FEMALE-CENTRIC
Elaine describes Women Talk as a female-centric, round table talk show that aims to discuss topics about women with guests from various fields.
Besides her, the other producers of the talk show are Shahila Shah, Said Thani and Farrah Naz Karim. Its co-hosts are another former Miss Malaysia Deborah Henry and promising broadcast journalist Zoraya Vadillo Abdul Rahman.
CURRENT TOPICS
The 13-episode and half-hour talk show made its debut on April 2, and comes on air every Saturday at 5pm.
"Women Talk has two invited guests, both women and men, to share thoughts as well as information on current topics every week," said Elaine at the launch of Women Talk in Sri Pentas, Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya recently.
"The topics range from celebrating Malaysian women's victory, falling into sexual harassment, safe vaccination and Covid-19 booster doses to women and children.
"We also touch on women's involvement in business, influential women figures in the political world, financial security, and screening for sexual predators," she added.
SQUASH LEGEND
Deborah, 36, said that she and Zoraya greatly enjoyed their first episode. It featured Malaysian squash legend Datuk Nicol David and the United Nations representative in the Netherlands, Datuk Noor Farida Ariffin.
"It was a dream come true chatting with Nicol and Noor Farida. They both gave their frank and honest opinions on their journeys to international fame. What I truly love about them is how they are so down to earth despite becoming famous," she said.
Deborah added that Nicol truly inspired young Malaysians by excelling in sports as well as her studies, and Noor Farida gave Malaysia a bold and fearless voice in the international arena.
"Nicol is a champion in every sense, while Noor Farida — who has been in the field of civil service for almost four decades — inspires women to aim high and go global. Both of them have taught me that nothing is impossible if we really work hard and give our everything to achieve our dreams."
ON-SCREEN CHEMISTRY
Elaine said that she was greatly impressed with the on-screen chemistry between Deborah and Zoraya.
"They feed off each other, and are very well-read," she said.
CLOSE TO HEART
Elaine, 45, added that women's issues were always close to her heart, and having hosted Bella on ntv7 during the last decade, she felt it was time to introduce a more "serious and formal" talk show on TV3.
"Talk shows are the best way for Malaysians to know about inspirational people from around the country, especially women. Having them speak without fear or favour in the studio enables viewers to learn about their journeys, missions and visions, and be inspired to follow in their footsteps," she said.
"While our hosts do not give them 'hard talk' as in the British and American talk shows, they do ask the occasional provocative question. Nevertheless, the guests are always capable of giving their best answers to every question that comes their way."
THE GOOD WIFE
Four episodes were filmed last month. The second episode features radio announcer, television host, singer and actress Sarimah Ibrahim and actor, producer and director Datuk Hans Isaac.
"The second episode is titled The Good Wife, and it is all about how Malaysians, both men and women, perceive how successful wives should be," said Elaine.
"We do our best to find individuals from various professions, including lesser known but admired ones.
"The reason why we invite men as well as women is because we want to look at women's issues from both male and female perspectives."
JUST WHAT SHE WANTED
Zoraya, who previously hosted TV Al-Hijrah documentary The Truth — Islam In Andalus, said that co-hosting Women Talk was exactly what she wanted.
"It's got well-rounded topics which are very enlightening," she said, adding that some of the conversations she had with the guests occasionally went quite deep.
"All of them have interesting, profound and life-changing stories. I always appreciate the wisdom of successful and strong Malaysians, especially women, who made it to the top in a men's world."
NON-CONFRONTATIONAL
Zoraya, 29, also said Women Talk's interviews were "harmonious and non-confrontational", traits that she always appreciated.
"Women Talk emphasises topics that are often talked about in the region, but seldom in our news programmes. It aims to have us look at the pros and cons of every issue, reject the bad and accept the good," she said.
"It also challenges us to build bridges between people and agree to disagree, for differences of opinion are always a blessing."