Page 242 - Contributed Paper Session (CPS) - Volume 4

CPS2214 Riyanti S. et al.
independence more than the other groups. Meanwhile, it is fascinating to see
that married female LFPR experienced obvious increase. This could again be
attributed by better opportunity to education which later lead to better access
into the labour market; as well as various form of work activities made possible
through digital disruptions.
Education has always been the determinant for female participation in the
labour market, as the findings pointed out that the highest female LFPR was
for those with tertiary education. However, improved female LFPR of those
with primary and secondary education also suggested that work has changed
form and income generating activities do not always require tertiary
education. Such instances are prevalence in services sector as dependent
contractors work in e-hailing businesses and food delivery services.
To further improve future studies, assessment should be made beyond
LFPR to look at the characteristics of female employment, and to also
investigate the characteristics of female outside labour force.
Since female make up almost half of the country’s population, and with
marginal downward trends of male LFPR, it is high time that policies and
programmes are designed to facilitate decent and fair opportunity for female
to participate in the labour market. This include breaking down unnecessary
barriers to include female equal access in decision making positions, allowing
flexible and family friendly working hours and environment and encouraging
reentrance of female talent into the labour market.

References
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2. Department of Statistics, Malaysia (2019a). Current Population Estimates,
Malaysia, 2019. Putrajaya: Department of Statistics, Malaysia.
3. Department of Statistics, Malaysia (2019b). Abridged Life Tables,
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