Enhancing Women’s Political Participation Workshops (EWPP)
Only 97 Malaysian women have ever made it as representatives in the Dewan Rakyat since its establishment and currently only 13.5% (28 out of 222) of MPs in the Dewan Rakyat are women. What’s more, this figure has actually dropped from 14.86% before GE15. Such astonishing figures can only mean that despite women now making up almost 50% of the population, they are still deliberately sidelined from politics, and as a result of this marginalization, suffer from a whole host of discriminatory and outdated policies and practices that still plague the country.
Empower aims to increase women’s political participation (WPP) especially among women from marginalised and impoverished Malaysian communities. As such, Empower’s WPP workshop aims to provide informative and empowering sessions to enable aspiring participants to gain a deeper understanding of human rights, gender equality, and the importance of women's representation in political leadership.
As participants leave our workshops, they are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to break down the barriers that have historically limited women's political participation; and strive for a future where women's voices are heard and respected in all spheres of governance. Our workshops serve as a catalyst for change, paving the way for participants to advocate for their rights and contribute towards a more inclusive and equitable society.
Empower is proud to have collaborated with facilitators such as Asura Nasron of Suaram, Asraf Sharafi of Bersih, Idzuafi Hadi Kamilan, Hisomuddin Bakar of Illham Centre, Maha Balakrishnan and Danesh Chako and Dr Ng Kit Yoong from Tindak Malaysia who were all instrumental in bringing the modules below to life:
Human Rights and Political Representation of Women in Malaysia
Participants learn about the various laws, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and international conventions that aim to safeguard women's rights and promote gender equality such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). Understanding these foundational principles is crucial for women to advocate effectively for their political and civil rights. Participants also delve into the themes surrounding gender equality, justice, feminism, intersectionality and privilege. Participant can expect to explore how multiple aspects of identity, such as race, class, and sexuality, intersect with gender to create unique experiences and challenges for women. This session fosters a deeper understanding of the diverse issues women face, emphasising the importance of inclusive policies and advocacy.
To further contextualise their learning, participants explore the status of women's rights and their political representation in Malaysia. Together, they examine women's participation in government and the barriers that hinder their progress.
Parliamentary Processes and Administration in Malaysia
Understanding the political landscape is essential for effective engagement and to navigate the political terrain effectively. Participants are taught about the intricacies of politics and administration in Malaysia, learning about the country's political parties, electoral system, and the role of the civil service. By approaching the topic of parliamentary reform and processes in Malaysia, participants learn about the functioning of the Malaysian Parliament, the legislative process, and the role of parliamentary committees. Understanding these mechanisms is vital for women aiming to influence policy changes.
Participants engage in discussions on the principles of democracy, including accountability, transparency, and the rule of law. The sessions empower participants with the knowledge to hold their elected representatives accountable.
The Electoral Process and the Formation of Government
Lastly, the workshop provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the electoral process and the formation of government in Malaysia. They learn about voter registration, campaign strategies, and the significance of women's participation in elections. Understanding these elements is pivotal for women aspiring to become political leaders.
Take a look at the galleries below for photos from our previous workshops.
Photo Gallery
eWPP Workshop 21-23 nOVEMBER 2025
EPPD WORKSHOP 21-22 JUNE 2025
eWPP Workshop 17-19 jANUARY 2025
WPP Workshop 8-10 December 2023
WPP Workshop 25-26; 22-23 July 2023
