On December 12, 2024, the energy was palpable at the Malaysia Women & Girls Forum (MWGF) 2024. Held under the powerful theme “Women & Nation-building,” the forum gathered thought leaders, policymakers, and advocates to explore a shared vision for a Malaysia where women are equally recognized as architects of national progress.
Among the passionate voices present was Saidatul Syuhada, representing AGENDA, who joined fellow participants in affirming that women’s leadership is not optional — it is essential. The forum, organized by UNFPA Malaysia and supported by media partners Free Malaysia Today and Astro Awani, served as a timely call to action in the midst of evolving national discourse on equity and inclusion.
What made this year’s forum particularly compelling was the calibre of its speakers. The session opened with remarks by Dr. Julitta Onabanjo, UNFPA Malaysia’s Country Representative, whose insights on gender and development set the tone for the day. Her message was echoed by voices from within Malaysia’s political leadership, including YB Teo Nie Ching, Deputy Minister of Communications; YB Syerleena Abdul Rashid, Member of Parliament for Bukit Bendera; and Pn Juwairiya Zulkifli, Deputy Chairperson of LPPKN — each sharing their perspective on the systemic barriers women continue to face in Malaysia’s political and public spaces.
The discussions throughout the day were both inspiring and sobering. While the achievements of women across various sectors were celebrated, the forum did not shy away from confronting deep-rooted challenges — from the unequal burden of unpaid care work to the gendered expectations that continue to limit women’s access to leadership. Together, participants reflected on what true nation-building looks like when it centers not just inclusion, but equity.
By the end of the forum, six key resolutions emerged — not as abstract ideals, but as a roadmap for transformative change. These included the need to ensure equal agency in decision-making, address legal and cultural barriers, and invest in long-term capacity-building for women leaders. The importance of applying an intersectional lens in policy design was also emphasized, recognizing that gender equity must consider multiple dimensions — including disability, ethnicity, class, and age. Most crucially, the forum called for a national culture that normalises shared responsibilities, especially in the domestic and caregiving spheres.
For AGENDA, MWGF 2024 was more than just a forum — it was a reaffirmation of our mission. As we move forward, we carry with us the spirit of collaboration and urgency that the forum ignited. Because building a better Malaysia means building it together — with women at the heart of every decision, every policy, and every future plan.
To learn more about the forum and its resolutions, visit mwgf.org.
Link for recording of event:
