Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures: Women’s Health and Workforce Equity

Prepared by  Dr Helmy Haja Mydin 9 April 2025 Each year on April 7, World Health Day reminds us that health is the foundation of a thriving society. This year’s theme, “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,” highlights the importance of maternal and newborn health, urging policymakers and communities to invest in the well-being of women and children. While the campaign focuses on preventing maternal and newborn deaths, it also raises a broader question: How can we ensure that women’s health and economic participation go hand in hand? The health and well-being of women are inextricably linked to their ability to participate fully in the workforce. In Malaysia, the Social & Economic Research Initiative (SERI) last year published a report titled “Malaysian Women in Workforce: Charting a Path to Inclusive Employment”, which underscores the persistent challenges women face in achieving career stability. Low labour force participation, hiring biases, and cultural expectations continue to hinder women’s professional growth. Addressing these barriers is not just a question of gender equality—it is a matter of public health, economic resilience, and national progress. The Gendered Nature of Health and Economic Participation Malaysia has made notable strides in improving maternal and newborn health. The country’s maternal mortality rate is among the lowest in the region, thanks to robust healthcare policies. However, these achievements mask deeper inequalities in women’s overall health and employment outcomes. The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes that health is more than the absence of disease; it is the presence of physical, mental, and social well-being. The SERI report highlights that Malaysia’s female labour force participation rate reached 55.8% in 2023, a positive increase but still significantly lower than men’s 81.9%. Women’s career trajectories often follow a “single peak” pattern, meaning that many exit the workforce early due to family obligations and never return. The challenges they face—discriminatory hiring practices, job mismatches, and cultural biases—are not just economic issues; they are also health concerns. Studies show that financial independence improves women’s access to healthcare, mental well-being, and overall quality of life. Women who face job insecurity are more likely to suffer from chronic stress, postpartum depression, and limited access to maternal care. In contrast, those who have stable employment with supportive workplace policies—such as paid maternity leave and flexible work arrangements—tend to report better health outcomes for themselves and their children. Balancing Motherhood and Career: An Unfinished Struggle The tension between career advancement and family responsibilities remains one of the biggest hurdles for Malaysian women. According to SERI’s findings, many women see their families as both a source of support and a barrier to their professional aspirations. Traditional gender roles dictate that women should take on the majority of caregiving responsibilities, often at the expense of their own health and career growth. For younger women, the demand for a work-life balance is becoming increasingly urgent. Yet, workplaces remain slow to adapt. Maternity leave policies, while legally mandated, are still viewed as a burden by many employers. This leads to hiring biases, particularly in STEM fields, where women graduate in large numbers but are hired at lower rates than men. The result is a “leaky pipeline” effect, where women exit STEM careers due to workplace discrimination and wage gaps. This systemic bias extends beyond gender to ethnic disparities in employment. The SERI report found that Chinese women secure jobs faster than Indian women, indicating that race and gender intersect to create additional barriers in the workforce. If health is a right and not a privilege, then we must address these underlying inequalities that affect women’s access to stable employment, financial security, and long-term well-being. Investing in Women’s Health is an Economic Necessity When women are empowered to work in environments that support their health and career aspirations, society as a whole benefits. The World Bank estimates that closing gender gaps in employment could boost Malaysia’s GDP by up to 26%. Yet, investment in gender-responsive policies remains insufficient. The WHO’s call for improved maternal and newborn health aligns with the need for workplace policies that support women at all life stages. This includes: ​•​Stronger parental leave policies: Expanding paid maternity and paternity leave ensures that women do not have to choose between their health and their careers. ​•​Flexible work arrangements: Remote work and hybrid models can help women balance caregiving responsibilities while remaining in the workforce. ​•​Closing the gender pay gap: Equal pay for equal work is not just a fairness issue; it is crucial for long-term economic stability. ​•​STEM career retention programs: Addressing hiring biases and creating mentorship programs for women in STEM can help retain talent and close the wage gap. A Future Where Women’s Health and Careers Thrive The theme of this year’s World Health Day—“Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures”—should not only apply to newborns but also to the women who give them life. Ensuring that every woman has access to quality healthcare and a fair workplace is not a privilege; it is a fundamental right. Malaysia has the opportunity to set a global example by integrating health and economic policies that uplift women, reduce workforce barriers, and close gender gaps in employment. A nation’s strength is measured not only by its economic indicators but also by how well it supports its women. If we truly believe in a hopeful future, then investing in the health, education, and workforce equity of women is the most powerful step we can take—not just for them, but for all of us.