KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 20 — Former international trade and industry minister Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz today expressed concern that the policy on 30 per cent women at the decision-making level in the corporate sector would hinder the opportunities of other women in developing their career.
She said the policy could be used as an excuse by certain companies, to limit the participation of women in their companies, on the grounds that they have fulfilled the 30 per cent quota.
“We are afraid of the policy becoming a ‘quota syndrome’ as companies may employ women at senior positions for fear of facing non-compliance action, regardless of the contribution by women,” Rafidah (picture) told reporters delivering a keynote address at the “Women Extraordinaire Forum 2013” here, today.
The two-day forum, attended by 200 local and foreign participants was opened by Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak had, during the 2013 Global Women Summit in June, challenged the corporate sector to ensure at least 30 per cent of the decision-makers and board members were women, including government-linked companies (GLC) and the various commissions, by 2016.
Rafidah who is AirAsia X chairman, said the participation of women as decision makers in the corporate sector should not be limited to only 30 per cent if there were eligible and capable women.
Apart from that, she said the policy should not be limited to only decision makers but could be extended to all levels of any organisation. — Bernama
