Malaysian Youth Council (MYC) welcome the new Women@Work initiatives as announced in the recent budget. It’s a great move to facilitate and empower more women to get back on their feet to start working again. This will boost women’s participation in the workforce which is needed for our economy. In order to ensure the success of this program, relevant support programs and capacity development programs should be provided for women who are returning to the workforce to ensure they are updated with the latest technology and development, and not left behind once they re-enter the workforce. Those who had chosen to take a career break should not be penalized or discriminated with lower salary just because they took a few years time-off to care for their family, as this experience would have also enhanced their management and operational skills. It is also important for government to ensure that mothers are not discriminated when seeking for jobs and attending job interviews just because they have children to care
Many women hesitate about making a career comeback due to childcare concerns, hence quality yet affordable childcare services should also be provided nearby their workplace. Incentives or subsidies for childcare services for B40 mothers can also be given to help them, as made available in other countries like Australia. Employers should also consider allowing women who wish to make a career comeback to have flexible working hours and flexible work locations should they wish not to send their child to childcare centers, as in the current economy, what matters are the deliverable, unless the job require physical presence or face to face interaction daily.
We also laud government initiative to continue allocating funding to MDEC for digital training, as this is an initiative that will benefit many women who wish to seek for alternate source of income, or upskill themselves to climb up the corporate ladder. We encourage more women to take advantage of the multiple training programs prMany women hesitate about making a career comeback due to childcare concerns, hence quality yet affordable childcare services should also be provided nearby their workplace. Incentives or subsidies for childcare services for B40 mothers can also be given to help them, as made available in other countries like Australia. Employers should also consider allowing women who wish to make a career comeback to have flexible working hours and flexible work locations should they wish not to send their child to childcare centers, as in the current economy, what matters are the deliverable, unless the job require physical presence or face to face interaction daily.
We also laud government initiative to continue allocating funding to MDEC for digital training, as this is an initiative that will benefit many women who wish to seek for alternate source of income, or upskill themselves to climb up the corporate ladder. We encourage more women to take advantage of the multiple training programs provide by the government agencies to make themselves more equipped to face the digitalization era.
Pertaining to the incentives and tax exemption given, this must be clearly monitored to ensure it is not mis-used or manipulated by any parties. Proper monitoring and communication should be provided to all parties on how to leverage and tap into the incentives given.
NURUL-HUDA MOHAMED AFANDI
VICE PRESIDENT
MALAYSIAN YOUTH COUNCIL/
CHAIRMAN OF WOMEN AND FAMILY AFFAIRS BUREAU
Date : 21st October 2019
