Shaping a future of strength and inclusion
Women's leadership is not just about holding positions of power; it’s about transforming spaces and paving the way for future generations. This statement framed the discussions at the Women's Leadership and Challenges Forum, part of Monash University Malaysia’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Week. Moderated by Professor Jane Tong from the School of Business, the forum brought together three extraordinary women, Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr Mazlan Othman, Shim Yok Lam and Professor Dr Rofina Yasmin Othman, to share their wisdom and strategies for success.
The discussion began by addressing the structural challenges women face in professional settings, including pervasive unconscious biases that affect perceptions of leadership potential. The panellists agreed that women often need to prove themselves before being promoted, a systemic issue where traditionally masculine traits are preferred in leadership roles. “In our culture, the societal preference is that a woman has to be soft and nurturing. If you’re not behaving like a woman, but rather like a man, you are considered a difficult person to work with,” stated Shim Yok Lam, Special Project Manager at Eppendorf Asia Pacific Sdn Bhd. Shim also emphasised the importance of self-advocacy and visibility in overcoming these barriers.
Dato’ Mazlan, Malaysia’s first astrophysicist who played an instrumental role in sending the country’s first astronaut to space, spoke about the pivotal moment she faced throughout her career. "There were crossroads where I had to make decisions. The challenges to me were not just about the job itself but about having to face myself and ask, 'What do I really want to do?' That's the first thing we have to sort out in terms of a challenge," she said.
Dato’ Mazlan shared her expertise on having to step out of comfort zones.
Reflecting on her journey in a male-dominated field, she advised women to be risk takers and seekers, underscoring the importance of stepping out of one’s comfort zone and embracing opportunities, even when they go against societal expectations. Her words highlighted the need for taking risks and challenging the status quo to achieve significant success. "I never saw things as challenges. I saw only excitement. Even today, anything that doesn’t challenge me fails to excite me," she said enthusiastically.
Professor Yasmin, Chairman of MRANTI, spoke about the delicate balance that many women must strike between professional ambitions and family responsibilities. She emphasised the need for setting clear goals and boundaries, stating, “You need to maximise your focus on both work and family. Balance is key and while it’s important to excel in your career, being present for your family is equally essential.” Professor Yasmin's approach reflects the necessity of strategic planning to sustain both career progression and personal wellbeing, particularly in cultures where women are often expected to shoulder additional domestic responsibilities.
Reflecting on the significance of the EDI Week, Professor Yasmin highlighted that it is crucial to recognise differences, celebrate diversity, and give everyone an equal chance. “A lot of people don’t understand what equity truly means,” she noted, adding that events like EDI Week help foster this understanding. She further emphasised that all universities should follow in the footsteps of Monash University Malaysia advocating for similar initiatives across educational institutions. This sentiment is closely aligned with the forum’s exploration of gender stereotypes and the systemic barriers women face, reinforcing the need for more inclusive practices that recognise a range of leadership styles.
Professor Yasmin discussed the gender imbalance in the STEM field.
The forum also explored the impact of gender stereotypes on career advancement. The speakers noted that women are often seen as nurturing rather than assertive, a bias that can prevent them from moving into senior leadership roles. They highlighted that men are often promoted based on potential, while women must first prove their worth. This imbalance reinforces the need for more inclusive practices that recognise a range of leadership styles.
Throughout the discussion, the importance of both external support and personal resilience was clear. The panellists advocated for increased mentorship programs and networking opportunities, enabling women to connect, share their experiences, and uplift one another. Dr Yasmin emphasised the significance of building a personal brand that aligns with one’s values and aspirations, encouraging women to define their success on their terms and stay true to their unique leadership style.
As the forum drew to a close, Professor Jane Tong distilled the wealth of insights shared into four key takeaways: know yourself, understand your passions, seek out risks, and build a strong personal brand. These powerful directives, drawn from the panellists' collective wisdom, offered a clear roadmap for aspiring leaders to navigate their own paths to success. Understanding one's strengths, weaknesses, and unique qualities helps women align their professional goals with their true passions.
Shim Yok Lam emphasised on the importance of overcoming boundaries set for women.
By sharing their stories and insights, the powerhouse trio provided not just inspiration but also a practical roadmap for others aspiring to follow in their footsteps. The Women's Leadership and Challenges Forum highlighted Monash University Malaysia’s ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion by fostering spaces for these critical conversations that drive meaningful change. One thing is clear—these discussions must continue. More voices need to be heard, and more barriers need to be broken. We remain dedicated to leading these efforts, ensuring that forums like this are just the beginning of long-lasting change.