2025

7 Mar

Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ joins global call to ¡®Accelerate Action¡¯ on gender equality

Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­

Aina Hadfina Khairulnizam (centre), one of the three winners of the SODA Upcycling T-Shirt Showcase, with (from left) SODA general manager Vivian Chew, Seputeh MP Teresa Kok, Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ College Board of Governors Datin Lily Ng and Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ University vice-chancellor and president Prof Emerita Datuk Dr Siti Hamisah Tapsir at Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ University¡¯s International Women¡¯s Day 2025 celebration.

KUALA LUMPUR: Gender equality can only be achieved by 2158 if things continue at the present rate of change, said Seputeh MP Teresa Kok at Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ University¡¯s International Women¡¯s Day 2025 celebration.

Drawing on data from the World Economic Forum, Kok underscored the need for immediate action and collective efforts.

¡°Education, industry, and government must work hand in hand to build a more inclusive, sustainable and progressive Malaysia,¡± said Kok who also serves as deputy chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee.

¡°I urge all of you to use your voices, talents and platforms to push boundaries and lead change.¡±

Referring to the 2023 Malaysia Gender Gap Index, Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ University vice-chancellor and president Prof Emerita Datuk Dr Siti Hamisah Tapsir pointed out that women with the same experience, qualifications and job titles earn RM66 compared to a male counterpart¡¯s RM100.

¡°We must continue to persist if we are to overcome the systemic barriers and the second-generation gender bias that continue to hold women back at the workplace,¡± she said in her speech.

¡°We must continue to empower women with quality education so they can take control of their lives and understand their rights.

¡°We must stand firmer, fight harder and speak louder to make workplaces safer. And we must break stereotypes to ensure that future generations of women and girls can be whoever they want to be.¡±

In partnership with SODA and Voir Group, 114 Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ students and staff upcycled the fashion label¡¯s t-shirts into innovative designs, embodying the spirit of female empowerment and gender equality.

A fashion show featuring the shortlisted student creations was also held at the event.

Classified in the world¡¯s top 1% in the QS World University Rankings 2025 by virtue of its top 265 ranking, Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ University stands out as one of Asia¡¯s top private universities.