Childcare and Women’s Employment in Malaysia : Insights from Public Housing Residents in Klang Valley and Kelantan, Malaysia

Overview & Synopsis

Malaysia’s female labor force participation (FLFP) lags behind that of comparator countries; and more importantly, national-level figures mask substantial regional disparities. Given the disparities in FLFP across regions and socioeconomic groups, it is essential to identify the specific challenges faced by women in low-income communities, as these challenges can contribute to lower returns from employment. Addressing these structural barriers is crucial to promoting more inclusive labor market participation and opening up economic opportunities of women in these groups. Care work and caregiving responsibilities emerged as one of the key barriers to employment for women living in these communities. Regardless of employment status, participants consistently expressed the need for greater government support to address concerns related to the affordability, availability, and safety of childcare and preschool infrastructure. When discussing future work and employment, many FGD participants expressed a strong preference for flexible job opportunities, such as remote work, part-time roles, or home-based income-generating activities. The findings from the FGDs underscore the importance of recognizing that the challenges and perceptions surrounding employment vary among women from different socioeconomic backgrounds.