Female labour force participation hits 56.2% in 2023, up from 45.7% in 1982, keeping Malaysia on course for its 2030 target.
PUTRAJAYA: The increase in the female labour force participation rate to 56.2% in 2023 from 45.7% in 1982 has put the country firmly on track to achieve the 60% target by 2030 under the MADANI Economy framework.
Chief Secretary to the Government (KSN) Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar said the upward trend recorded over more than four decades reflects the increasingly important role played by women in national development and economic growth.
“Over the four-decade period from 1982 to 2023, the female labour force participation rate has shown an upward trend, rising from 45.7% to 56.2%.
“Under the MADANI Economy, we are targeting a 60% female labour force participation rate by 2030, and this figure shows that we are on track to achieve it,” he said at the closing ceremony of the Annual General Meeting of the Malaysian Association of Wives and Women Civil Servants (Puspanita) here today.
The ceremony was officiated by Puspanita patron Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, who is also the Prime Minister’s wife.
Shamsul Azri, who is also Puspanita’s advisor, said women are strategic partners in national development as well as key contributors to the country’s economic growth, well-being and prosperity.
“Currently, there are 765,000 female civil servants in the public service, or 59% of the workforce, meaning women now outnumber male civil servants,” he said.
He added that the government’s efforts to ensure the welfare of the people and strengthen the economy require support from all levels of society, including Puspanita members.
“This is where I see Puspanita playing a role as a strategic partner in shaping a society grounded in comprehensive and resilient human values,” he said.
In the meantime, Dr Wan Azizah called on Puspanita to continue playing an important role in serving its members and the community through various welfare and community development programmes, reflecting that the culture of ihsan (compassion) remains central to its struggle.
“As the patron of Puspanita, I hope that future programmes will involve a wider range of target groups.
“Keep up this good effort by establishing strategic collaborations with various relevant parties to enhance its effectiveness and ensure more people can be assisted,” she said.
At the event, Dr Wan Azizah also launched the first official Puspanita song since its establishment in 1983.
