IT is good to have television programmes such as Ruang Bicara, which discuss women’s participation in politics and their role in shaping our nation.
Women make up half of our population, but they have long been under-represented in elected offices and decision-making roles in the public and private sectors.
In society, women’s social and economic progress precedes their political advancement and, more importantly, to achieve national leadership roles.
More women are pursuing higher education, employed in sectors that are no longer stereotyped as women’s work and are moving up the corporate ladder.
Admittedly, it is not all rosy. A number of women work in the informal, unregulated sector where they are vulnerable to exploitation.
In some sectors, on average, women get paid 20 to 25 per cent less than their male counterparts.
However, it is undeniable that more women engage in civil societies, vote in elections, are elected to government and make their voices heard in processes that affect them, their families and communities.
One could see greater involvement of women in the political scene in the run-up to the 14th General Election and its aftermath.
Not only do we have our first woman deputy prime minister, we also have women from the younger generation as well as veterans serving and lending their support to the new government.
Indeed, strengthening women’s political participation is a step in the right direction to achieve gender equality.
Rueben Dudley
Petaling Jaya, Selangor