Number of employed people in Malaysia 2017-2023, by gender

The underrepresentation of women in the labor market in Malaysia is apparent, as evidenced by the employment numbers. As of 2023, there were around *********** women employed in the workforce, nearly ** percent lower compared to the number of employed males in the same year.

Traditional gender roles remain a challenge

The labor force participation rate of women in Malaysia stood at **** percent in 2023, although it was a slight increase compared to the previous year, the number is still relatively low. One of the main challenges is the traditional gender roles where women are expected to take care of their families. A 2024 survey conducted on working women in Malaysia showed that more than ** percent of respondents would either take more responsibility or be solely responsible for household chores. This resulted in many women forgoing their career altogether to focus as caregivers.

Wage equality in decline

The gender pay gap is also an issue that needs to be addressed. Malaysia’s gender gap score for wage equality continuously declined in the past decade. In 2023, the average monthly salary for female employees was about *** Malaysian ringgit lower compared to the average salary of male employees. By addressing these challenges, Malaysia could have more women in the workforce, which would lead to greater economic contribution for the country.