Women’s involvement in politics and the economy in Sabah remains at a lamentable stage, said Institute for Development Studies (IDS) chairperson Datuk Azizah Mohd Dun.

She said significant gender gaps persist in leadership roles across various sectors, with female representation still lacking.

“Women play a crucial role in nation-building, but based on the Malaysia Gender Gap Index 2022, the gaps in economic participation and political empowerment remain evident,” she said in Kota Kinabalu on Saturday.

Azizah pointed out that women hold only 18% of local council seats and 26% of leadership roles in government agencies and government-linked companies (GLCs).

She noted that political representation is also poor, with only 4% to 13% of women involved in leadership positions across Sabah’s political parties.

“This highlights the pressing need to address barriers faced by women in Sabah,” she said.

Azizah said while many women are highly educated, their presence in senior leadership roles remains minimal.

“In the public sector, only 14% of women hold decision-making roles, while most remain in clerical and support positions.”

She added that conservative views in rural areas continue to hinder women from pursuing leadership positions.

“There is also a lack of mentorship programmes to support women in stepping into key roles,” she said.

Azizah urged stakeholders to introduce more empowerment programmes to boost women’s participation in the state’s development.

Also present at the session were IDS CEO Datuk Dr Ramzah Dambul, Sabah Women’s Affairs Department director Haslina Ismail, and Sabah Women’s Advisory Council deputy chairperson Baiyah Ag Mahmon. – January 11, 2025.