In an exclusive interview with FMT, Nancy said some women, especially those in political leadership, tend to prioritise their children’s careers over those of other qualified women.
The practice has intensified the disparity in leadership roles between men and women, she said.
Female representation is notably low in Malaysian politics, with only 30 women among the 222 MPs in the Dewan Rakyat.
“We need more qualified women who can speak for the country and for women. We cannot just think of our own children. If they are good, they will make it to these roles on their own,” said Nancy.
“If we don’t advocate for women, who is going to do it for them?”
Nancy added that the situation has been exacerbated by the fact that men tend to dominate leadership positions in the country. Many of these men are unaware of the challenges faced by women, she said.
She called for male allies to support the nurturing and promotion of women to higher positions.
“I want to see new young women leaders in various fields so they can help to motivate and inspire others.
“This will help young women, especially university students, feel that there are opportunities available,” she said.
Meanwhile, Nancy’s ministry is doing its part to attract more women to the workforce by enhancing caregiver training across the country, to allow female members of the workforce to better balance their career and family responsibilities.
She said the increased availability of competent professional caregivers would allow more women to advance in their careers.
This initiative not only broadens employment opportunities for women but also helps integrate them back into the workforce, creating a cycle of empowerment and economic growth, she said.
Since 2018, the ministry has been actively developing the caregiving industry through a series of workshops.
As at May last year, it had successfully trained 655 caregivers.
The programmes offer both practical and theoretical modules, ensuring a well-rounded education that is essential for effective caregiving.