STATEMENT BY
H.E. DR. AHMAD FAISAL MUHAMAD
PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS
AT THE GENERAL DISCUSSION OF THE
70TH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN
TUESDAY, 17 MARCH 2026
Thank you, Chair.
Malaysia welcomes this year’s priority theme and firmly believes that access to justice is a cornerstone for the realisation of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls. Our commitment to equality is enshrined in Article 8 of Malaysia’s Federal Constitution, which guarantees equality before the law and prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender. This constitutional foundation continues to guide Malaysia’s efforts to strengthen legal protection and eliminate gender-based discrimination.
Distinguished Delegates,
2. Malaysia reaffirms its steadfast commitment to advancing women’s empowerment. The National Women’s Policy and the Women Development Action Plan 2025–2030 serve as the overarching frameworks guiding national efforts to advance women’s empowerment across key sectors, including the economy, education, health, governance, legal protection, and access to justice.
3. Following the enactment of the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act 2022, which established a dedicated tribunal to address sexual harassment complaints and provide victims with a clear legal pathway to seek justice, Malaysia is now developing a digital platform that will enable victims to safely submit complaints online. This initiative aims to further strengthen access to justice, particularly for women and girls in rural and underserved communities.
4. Recognising the importance of community engagement, Malaysia has implemented grassroots initiatives such as SKUAD WAJA, a community-based volunteer programme that empowers individuals to act as agents of change in addressing violence against women. Through psychosocial support, awareness programmes and community outreach, this initiative contributes to building safer communities and strengthening support networks for victims.
5. Malaysia also recognises that strengthening access to justice requires addressing structural barriers through inclusive governance and gender-responsive policymaking. Gender mainstreaming has been institutionalised across the Government through mechanisms such as Gender Focal Points and Gender Focal Teams across ministries and agencies. These mechanisms support evidence-based policymaking and ensure that gender perspectives are integrated into national policies, programmes, and budgeting processes.
8. Unpaid care responsibilities remain one of the key structural barriers limiting women’s economic participation. Thus, Malaysia has launched the Malaysia Care Strategic Framework and Action Plan 2026–2030. By expanding accessible care services and professionalising the care sector, the framework seeks to reduce the disproportionate burden of unpaid care work on women, therefore enhancing social justice by enabling them to participate more fully in economic, social and public life.
Distinguished Delegates,
9. Despite the progress achieved, much work remains. Ensuring meaningful access to justice for women and girls requires sustained political will, inclusive institutions and strong partnerships at all levels.
10. Malaysia remains committed to working with Member States, the United Nations system and all stakeholders to advance gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. Together, we must ensure that justice systems are inclusive, responsive and accessible so that every woman and girl can live with dignity, exercise her rights and contribute fully to the progress of our societies.
I thank you.
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