Minister Nancy Shukri says women’s safety is a pressing priority, with over 7,000 violence cases reported in 2025, despite progress in leadership and economic roles.
KUALA LUMPUR: Women’s safety remains an urgent issue in Malaysia, despite growing participation in leadership and the economy, said Women, Family and Community Development minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.
She said although progress in leadership and economic participation is increasingly visible, the issue of women’s safety remains a pressing priority.
Nancy highlighted that 7,391 cases of violence against women were reported in 2025, underscoring the ongoing need for strong protection and prevention measures.
“This shows that while we celebrate the achievements of women, we must continue to ensure their safety and wellbeing across the country,” she said at the International Women’s Day 2026 celebration at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) today.
In response, Nancy said the ministry had implemented 1,131 advocacy programmes last year, reaching 154,241 participants and supported by 339,813 volunteers nationwide.
“These volunteers form the backbone of our community protection networks, helping to safeguard women in every corner of Malaysia,” she added.
Nancy also highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts under the National Women Policy 2025–2030, which targets four key areas: leadership, economic empowerment, safety, and wellbeing.
“When women are given fair and equal opportunities, they do more than strengthen families — they become powerful drivers of national development,” she said.
Pointing to the rising influence of women in leadership, Nancy said that as of December 2025, women held 39.4% of top management positions in the public sector, surpassing the 30% target.
In the private sector, women now occupy 34.6% of board seats among Malaysia’s top 100 listed companies.
She said that these achievements demonstrate how far Malaysia has come in empowering women to lead and shape every sector of the nation.
“Women are not just the backbone of their families and communities — they are strategic partners in national development.
“Let us continue to lift, support, and inspire one another, because the future of our country is shaped by the brave and dedicated hands of women like all of you.
“Women are strong, women are amazing, and women should support women. I am proud to stand here with all of you — extraordinary Malaysian women.”
