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KUALA LUMPUR: Wanita Umno chief Datuk Seri Dr Noraini ahmad has called for Umno to formally commit to ensuring women hold at least 30% of leadership positions within the party, making it a constitutional requirement.She presented this as a strategic imperative for empowerment, not merely a symbolic gesture.
Strategic Importance of Women’s Leadership
Speaking at the Wanita Umno wing assembly on January 15, 2026, Dr. Noraini emphasized that this initiative must originate within Umno itself and be enshrined in its constitution. She argued that women are integral to the party’s core, extending beyond election mobilization and quota fulfillment, and should actively participate in policy-making.”We are not just machinery to be mobilised during elections nor quota fillers. We must be involved in policy making as the Wanita wing is part of Umno’s core,” she stated.
This call for increased female portrayal aligns with broader global movements advocating for gender equality in political leadership. Research consistently demonstrates that greater female participation in leadership roles leads to more inclusive and effective governance. United Nations Women highlights the positive correlation between women’s leadership and enduring development.
Revitalizing Barisan nasional and Umno’s Future
Dr. Noraini also addressed the need for Barisan Nasional (BN) to build upon its performance in the 15th General Election (GE15),where it secured 30 parliamentary seats. She stressed the importance of retaining thes seats as a foundation for the coalition’s resurgence in the upcoming 16th General Election.