The inclusion of women ministers in cabinet is vital in redistributing political power and increasing participation. However, increasing the number of women ministers is insufficient; the type of portfolios also matters. In Malaysia, following the 14th general election, the number of women ministers almost doubled; this increase survived government turn-overs between 2020–2022, and the 15th general election.

Maha Balakrishnan, Parliamentary Consultant and Research Fellow for the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network - Asia Headquarters & Sunway University did a paper entitled “The Only Way Is Up: Proportions and Portfolios for Women in Cabinet: 2008-2023”. She joins us today to share the insights of her research.