Women's rights, national economic success intertwined: Najib

The prime minister joined with opinion leaders and advocates in expressing the view that women’s issues are closely interrelated with the economy. He cited the Malaysia’s success in reducing the mortality rate to one of the lowest in the world. Women’s empowerment has undoubtedly driven the country’s economy, and with better education and health, women have become a major force, he said.

Najib also recognised the significance of women’s reproductive rights, a key issue at the triennial conference.

Jeni Klugman, director for Gender and Development, Poverty Reduction and Economic Management at the World Bank, also demonstrated the powerful link between the enhancement of women’s wellbeing and rights, and the economy. She said, countries with high levels of education and higher female representation in government tend to have lower mortality rates. The World Bank has funded reproductive health plans to the tune of US$2.5 billion (Bt75 billion).

Klugman and Najib echoed a discussion among participating international journalists at a forum on Monday prior to the opening of "Woman Deliver". They agreed that ensuring the well-being of girls and women built a strong society. They also exchanged views on encouraging more reporting on the issues, especially on topics deemed "taboo" in some societies. The media representatives also agreed that women’s issues do not just concern women, but should be treated as social problems. They also urged all parties to get men engaged in taking up the challenge.

Thousands of leaders and advocates from over 150 countries joined the "Woman Deliver" conference to discuss and exchange views on the issues of the health and wellbeing of women. First held in London in 2007 and then in Washington in 2010, the third edition of the "Women Deliver" conference is the first to be held in Asia. The conference continues until Thursday at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Hall.

The speakers will include Melinda Gates, co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation; Helen Clark, administrator of the UN Development Programme (UNDP); Dr Babatunde Osotimehin, executive director of the UN Population Fund (UNFPA); Chelsea Clinton, board member of the William J Clinton Foundation; Reeta Roy, president and CEO of the MasterCard Foundation; Poonam Muttreja, executive director of the Population Foundation of India; and Mu Sochua, Cambodian rights advocate and MP.