A career. A family. A little “me time” in between.
I’m sure we were all told we’d have it all. But in reality? It’s a lot messier.
And according to the latest World Bank data, a lot of women in Malaysia are stepping back from the workforce, and not because they’ve lost ambition (women are big dreamers)!
Wait, what? Only Half of Us Are Working?
Yes, you read that right.
As of 2024, just 51.6% of Malaysian women (aged 15 to 64) are in the labour force.
That’s compared to 78.4% of men – making it a 26.8% gap.
So, where are all the women?
They didn’t vanish. They’re just at home – doing the unpaid, invisible work that keeps everyone else going.
But wait, here’s where it gets interesting: women in Malaysia start strong.
We’re graduating. We’re entering the workforce.
But by our 30s – especially during the childbearing years – the numbers dip – fast!
And the real truth is that most don’t come back.
World Bank studies also show that Malaysia has one of the lowest rates of women returning to work after a career break.
Once you’re out, it’s really hard to find the on-ramp again.
And no, it’s not because we can’t do it.
What’s Holding Women Back?
Let’s break it down.
One of the biggest reasons women leave the workforce is the sheer weight of unpaid care work – childcare, eldercare, cooking, cleaning, and everything in between.
It’s a full-time job with no HR department and no annual leave.
Then there’s the issue of flexibility, which many companies claim to offer, but in reality, it often comes with strings attached.
Sure, you might get to work from home or choose your hours, but you also risk being sidelined – passed over for promotions or judged for not being “present enough”.
And let’s not forget the maternal wall – the subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) belief that mothers just aren’t as committed to their careers.
Even when women perform at the top of their game, they’re still too often seen as less ambitious or reliable, simply because they’re mums.
But What About Comeback Programmes?
Sure, Malaysia has initiatives like the Career Comeback Programme by TalentCorp.
But here’s the catch – World Bank surveys show many companies still don’t actively support returning mothers.
Why? Because:
-
They’re seen as “high maintenance”
-
There’s no clear path back to leadership
-
Bias still lingers – once you leave, it’s like starting from scratch
So no, it’s not as simple as brushing off your résumé and jumping back in.
So, What Would Real Support Look Like?
If we’re really serious about closing the gap (and not just ticking boxes on HR slides), here’s what could actually work.
-
Flexible work that doesn’t come with career side-eyes: Because “work from home” shouldn’t mean “out of sight, out of promotion”.
-
Childcare that doesn’t cost more than your salary: Or at the very least, a workplace kids’ room that’s more than a dusty storeroom with beanbags.
-
Return-to-work paths that don’t feel like starting from the intern level: Mums have experience – a whole lot of it. Don’t make them prove it again and again.
-
Paternity leave that men actually take (without bro jokes): Equal parenting isn’t a wild idea – unless you’re saying it in a room full of those who think childcare is “women’s work”.
-
Managers who’ve unlearned 1990s thinking: No, she’s not “less hungry”. She’s actually starving.
-
A culture shift: Ambition and motherhood can exist in the same breath without anyone whispering, “Maybe she’s slowing down.”
The Numbers Don’t Lie
If you’re feeling exhausted just trying to keep all the balls in the air – you’re not alone.
The World Bank stats tell a bigger story: women in Malaysia aren’t opting out because they’re not capable.
They’re stepping back because the system still expects them to do everything, with very little support.
So yes, she believed she could, and she probably still can.
But right now, she’s tired. And it’s time we stop making her do it all alone.
Note: The images used in this article are AI-generated and are not based on any specific individual.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!
