KUALA LUMPUR: Despite recent reports of progress, Malaysia women find themselves still struggling to make in roads into the predominantly male business world. And it is leaving many women leaders frustrated over the future of the country and the direction women in business will have. A recent Grant Thornton International Business Report (IBR) revealed that Malaysia has the highest number of women in the workforce with 40 percent compared with other Asean countries. Though the figures are promising, only 26 percent occupy senior roles. But there has been some growth, especially in the online environment. The Malaysian Women and Family Development Council has said that they were establishing a national Sohonista Secretariat that would be tasked with educating and offering assistance for women to boost their online presence for their business. The Council's chief Shahrizat Abdul Jalil was reported in local media as saying Sohonista is a reference to "small office, home office" where women for women can assist each other. Ahead of a general election, she said the ruling Barisan Nasional Party's women's initiatives are aiming to strengthen the economy for women. Still, some critics said that the move is political and previous efforts have done little to improve the status of female business owners in Malaysia. "I hope this is more than just talk and that it will result in positive change and assistance for women, because it is sorely needed in this country," a marketing manager at a leading international firm in Kuala Lumpur Naveen Ahmad told Bikyanews.com. She added that "with an election coming up, I want to see real concrete movement before I believe it." Abdul Jalil was adamant that the effort was series, saying that "the idea of establishing the secretariat arose as a lot of women, particularly those recently married or with small families, are forced to abandon their careers due to the problem of not having a maid. "I see them as having ideas, resources and expertise to start an online business from home, but face hurdles in getting the necessary assistance," she continued. Abdul Jalil continued to say that "the secretariat will also assist those involved in the online business to secure assistance such as advice, as well as facilities and finance." No time table was given on the process and how women could apply for assistance. "For example, the Prime Minister just launched the RM50 million Young Entrepreneurs Fund, for youths keen on starting or expanding their existing businesses. "But many may not still know how or where they have to go to apply for the fund. So, we will act as a go-between for them," she added. BN
