Despite women making up 52% of tertiary education graduates in Malaysia, they continue to face significant barriers in the workforce. Gender inequality remains a prominent issue, with caregiving and household responsibilities cited as major factors preventing women from reaching their full potential. These challenges, along with anxiety and depression, were key topics discussed during an engaging session hosted by dobiQueen, a leading self-service laundrette, alongside expert panellists.
Gender Gap in Education Closed, Yet Women Underrepresented in Workforce
According to the Khazanah Research Institute (KRI), although Malaysian women have achieved parity in education, they remain underrepresented in the workforce, comprising only 37.7% of the labour force. Women make up half of professionals (50.1%) but are still underrepresented in key leadership positions, such as managers (25.4%) and technicians (29%).
Social norms continue to influence gender outcomes, with women often expected to be primary caregivers, limiting their economic participation. KRI’s research found that 62.1% of women outside the labour force cite household responsibilities as the main reason for not working. Traditional gender roles remain a barrier to career advancement, confining many women to unpaid domestic work.
The Double Burden of Household Chores
KRI highlighted that women perform five times more unpaid household care work than men, managing tasks like cleaning, caregiving, and meal preparation. These "unseen" chores are essential to daily life but remain excluded from traditional economic measures. This burden affects their ability to pursue careers or leadership roles.
A recent survey by dobiQueen revealed that 75% of its laundromat users are women, with half of them employed full-time and the other half being homemakers. This finding underscores the double burden women face in balancing employment with household responsibilities. Men, by contrast, make up only 25% of laundromat users, illustrating the disproportionate share of chores women carry.
Mental Health Struggles Among Working Women
The Mental Illness Awareness & Support Association (MIASA) shared concerning insights about the mental health struggles faced by women. Anxiety and depression are prevalent, particularly among those who manage household burdens while balancing work.
A 2022 survey by Rakuten Insight found that 54% of Malaysian women reported higher levels of stress and anxiety in the past year.
Puan Anita Abu Bakar, Founder and President of MIASA, emphasized the emotional toll of caregiving responsibilities. Many women experience caregiver fatigue and burnout, leaving them little time for self-care. Persistent gender inequality in the workplace, pay disparities, and societal expectations around success and appearance only exacerbate these challenges, leading to feelings of inadequacy and low self-worth.
Supporting Women’s Well-Being: A National Priority
Malaysia’s goal of becoming a high-income nation by 2030 includes achieving inclusiveness and gender equality as part of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). To accomplish this, it is essential to support women’s physical and mental well-being. According to KRI, one way to support working women is by providing alternative care arrangements as the traditional three-generation family structure has declined in recent decades.
MIASA advocates for flexible work arrangements, such as part-time positions, job sharing, and on-site childcare. These measures, along with family leave policies, can help women balance their careers and caregiving responsibilities without fear of job loss. Studies worldwide show that these policies improve job satisfaction and well-being among working women, supporting the idea that flexibility is key to gender equality in the workplace.
Reducing Household Burdens with dobiQueen
As part of its mission to reduce the burden of household chores, dobiQueen advocates for a more equitable distribution of household tasks. Sharing responsibilities can alleviate stress, prevent burnout, and promote a healthier work-life balance.
Co-founder and Executive Director of dobiQueen, Nini Tan, commended the efforts of women in managing households and emphasized dobiQueen’s role in helping them reclaim their time. The company offers services like Express Same Day Delivery, which returns clean and perfumed clothes within six hours, and Drop-off & Pickup services that allow customers to enjoy leisure time while dobiQueen handles their laundry.
The company’s Outlet Supervisors manage the entire laundry process, from washing and drying to folding and delivery, as part of its 6-Hour Express Delivery initiative. These services give working adults more time to spend with their families and reduce the stress associated with household chores.
Upcoming Events: International Stigma Conference 2024
In support of mental health awareness, dobiQueen is proud to sponsor the International Stigma Conference 2024, organized by MIASA. This event, set for November 23rd and 24th, aims to address issues around mental health stigma, providing a platform for dialogue and change. The conference will be a beacon of hope for individuals struggling with mental health challenges.
By tackling issues of gender equality and mental health, dobiQueen and MIASA are championing a brighter, more inclusive future for Malaysian women. Together, they are committed to reducing the burdens women face both at work and home, fostering a healthier and more balanced society.
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