Analysing the Impact of Experience, Education and Skills on Women’s Labour Force Participation

In recent decades, Malaysia’s economy has experienced significant growth, marked by substantial increases in gross domestic product (GDP) and a strong expansion trajectory. This economic progress has heightened the demand for labour, bringing attention to a persistent challenge: the considerable gender disparity in workforce participation. Despite various policies aimed at promoting female involvement in the workforce—such as tax incentives, extended maternity leave, and childcare support—the rate of female labour force participation remains significantly lower than that of males. This persistent issue suggests that beyond economic policies, deeper structural and societal factors continue to hinder women’s workforce engagement. This study seeks to explore this challenge by integrating human capital theory, which emphasises education, skills, and work experience, with Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, which consists of physiological needs, safety, social belonging, esteem, and self-actualisation. Maslow’s theory will act as a mediating framework to analyse how different aspects of human capital influence women’s decisions to enter and remain in the workforce. By doing so, the study aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the barriers preventing higher female participation in Malaysia’s labour market. A clearer grasp of these factors is essential in addressing the gap between policy intentions and actual outcomes. By identifying key obstacles and offering targeted policy recommendations, this research contributes to efforts aimed at fostering greater female workforce participation. Enhancing women’s labour involvement is not only crucial for gender equality but also for ensuring sustainable economic growth and achieving Malaysia’s long-term development goals.