Addressing the Wage Gap: A Call to Action
The Issue at Hand
Immediate action must be taken to address the wage gap between male and female graduates in Malaysia, said Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri. This issue should not be happening, especially considering that both female and male graduates now hold equivalent academic qualifications.
The Statistics
According to the 2023 Graduate Statistics report released by the Department of Statistics, female graduates, on average, earn RM900 less than their male counterparts, despite having equivalent academic qualifications. This disparity is unacceptable and must be addressed.
Challenges Faced by Women
Women often face additional challenges such as responsibilities for childcare and elderly care, but these should not be used as an excuse to undervalue them. "Women sometimes work because they have their own responsibilities. Therefore, they should not be looked down upon, especially in terms of income. If their qualifications are equal to men’s, then their income should be the same," said Nancy.
Government’s Efforts
The government is committed to addressing this issue and has announced plans to review related policies to ensure that discrimination and violence against women are reduced. Apart from the salary issue, Nancy also touched on her ministry’s efforts to empower women, including producing more young female leaders through the Women Leadership Apprenticeship Programme (PERANTIS).
Empowering Women
"We need more young female leaders in this country. This year, the government has allocated RM5 million to produce 100 female PERANTIS. My hope is that they can get involved in various fields, including politics," said Nancy. The government is committed to empowering women and creating a more equal society.
International Women’s Day
Nancy urged all parties to work together in promoting gender equality in Malaysia, especially as International Women’s Day approaches on March 8. "This is a platform for us to celebrate women’s achievements and drive efforts towards better equality. We do not want our women to be ‘locked down’, but rather empowered to become leaders and decision-makers," she said.
Conclusion
The wage gap between male and female graduates in Malaysia is a pressing issue that must be addressed. The government is committed to taking immediate action to reduce this gap and promote gender equality. By empowering women and creating a more equal society, we can achieve lasting change.
FAQs
Q: What is the current wage gap between male and female graduates in Malaysia?
A: According to the 2023 Graduate Statistics report, female graduates earn RM900 less than their male counterparts, despite having equivalent academic qualifications.
Q: What is the government doing to address this issue?
A: The government is reviewing related policies to ensure that discrimination and violence against women are reduced. It is also allocating RM5 million to produce 100 female leaders through the Women Leadership Apprenticeship Programme (PERANTIS).
Q: What is the theme for International Women’s Day 2025?
A: The theme for International Women’s Day 2025 is "Aspiring Women, Building Legacies", which symbolises efforts to elevate women to create lasting change.