If you’re like me, you scroll through the internet, keeping up with news and pop culture. You’ve seen Beyoncé advocating for gender equality, Michelle Yeoh breaking glass ceilings, and Malala Yousafzai fighting for girls’ education. But here’s the thing, education doesn’t stop at secondary school. Tertiary education and technical skills training for girls are the next steps toward real empowerment.
In Malaysia, we’ve made significant strides in education. Primary school enrollment is at 99%, and the total net enrolment rate for upper secondary school is around 68% (the numbers drop possibly because secondary school is not mandatory, unfortunately). But still, women outnumber men in tertiary education institutions.
Despite this, fewer women enter and remain in the workforce. Many leave after having children, and others struggle to find employment that matches their qualifications. So, the real question is: Why should girls continue studying beyond secondary school? And why should they stay in the workforce?
Tertiary education for girls drives progress
Education works almost like a cheat code for life. The more you learn, the better your chances of landing a well-paid job. Studies show that every extra year of schooling can increase a girl’s future income by up to 20%. In Malaysia, plenty of female role models prove this. Take Tan Hooi Ling as an example. She’s the co-founder of Grab, one of Southeast Asia’s biggest tech companies. She studied engineering, went to Harvard, and now runs a billion-ringgit business.
You’ve probably heard the phrase, “When you educate a woman, you educate a nation.” That’s because women with higher education or vocational skills bring massive benefits to society:
- Higher earnings: A woman with a university degree or technical skills earns significantly more than one with only a secondary education.
- Stronger workforce participation: The more qualified women are, the more likely they are to stay employed and contribute to the economy.
- Healthier families: Educated mothers are more likely to access healthcare, practice family planning, and raise healthier children.
- More women in leadership: Education equips women with the skills to take on leadership roles, be it in business, politics, or STEM fields.
Yet, Malaysia’s female labour force participation rate is only 51.6%, compared to 78% for men. This gap reflects not just personal choices but structural barriers that discourage women from staying in the workforce. The government, workplaces, and society all play a role in fixing this. On a societal level, it also starts with us, as young people, to resist oppressive forces and stand up for one another.
TVET: An Alternative Path To Success
In Malaysia, groups like Teach For Malaysia and Girls in Tech Malaysia help young women break into science, business, and politics. We don’t just need more leaders, we need more female leaders who spearhead equal rights. Just look at Michelle Yeoh. She’s not just a Hollywood icon, she speaks up for women’s empowerment and uses her influence to push for change, despite not being in the realm of academia itself.
Speaking of which, it’s important to note that tertiary education for girls doesn’t have to mean university. Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes provide hands-on skills that lead directly to employment. In Malaysia, TVET can open doors in industries like engineering, IT, hospitality, and healthcare. These are sectors where skilled workers are in demand. For my girlies who may not want an academic path, TVET is a powerful alternative.
A university degree is valuable, but so is being a trained electrician, software developer, or automotive technician. The key is equipping women with the skills to be financially independent. We are so capable, we’ve just got to believe in ourselves enough!
Why women must stay in the workforce
Did you grow up with a working mom? Or did she dedicate her life to raising you? In Malaysia, many women leave their jobs after having children, often because of a lack of support systems. In my personal experience, it’s also a cultural thing imposed by the men in our life. But financial independence is crucial for women’s long-term security. Here’s why staying in the workforce matters:
- Economic security: Women who stay employed can support themselves and their families, reducing financial dependence.
- Career growth: The longer women work, the higher their chances of advancing to leadership positions.
- Breaking stereotypes: More women in the workforce means changing outdated gender norms and inspiring younger generations.
Countries with better parental leave policies, affordable childcare, and workplace flexibility see higher female workforce participation. In my opinion, Malaysia needs unsexist policies that help women balance careers and family life without forcing them to choose between the two.
Education is just the start
It’s been 30 years since the Beijing Platform for Action set global goals for gender equality. While Malaysia has made progress in education, the World Economic Forum’s 2024 Gender Gap Index ranked Malaysia 114th out of 146 countries. The education system must not only enrol girls but prepare them for careers. Are we truly equipping women with the skills, confidence, and opportunities to succeed beyond school? Are we expecting more from girls while giving them fewer opportunities to grow professionally?
If I have to put it simply: education is just the beginning. For real gender equality, girls must be encouraged to pursue higher education or technical skills, enter the workforce, and stay in it. So whether it’s through university or TVET, education should lead to opportunities, independence, and empowerment. Our government, employers, and society must step up to ensure women can thrive in school, in work, and in life. Because when women and girls rise, everyone benefits.
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