A mindset that values and respect differences is significant in promoting gender equality, Rosmah Mansor said yesterday.

Speaking at a reception hosted by the United Nations (UN) Women and Partnership Forum at UN Plaza in New York yesterday, the prime minister’s wife said society must be ready for gender equality and that not all are ready for change.

“Women bring with them diverse perspectives, leadership styles, work experiences, life styles and cultures.

“These contribute to the diversity of thought so essential for generating innovative solutions. When we respect and value these unique contributions, we unleash the power of diversity,” she said.

The reception was held at the UN Plaza to celebrate Goal 5 of the Agenda for Sustainable Development: Achieve Gender Equality and Empower All Women and Girls in 2030.

Also present were Madame Ban Soon-taek, wife of the United Nations secretary-general, and executive director of UN Women Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka

However, Rosmah said one should not underestimate the power of cultural and socio-economic factors as well as misinterpretation of religious texts that serve to undermine and act as barriers to women’s advancement.

“Value systems do not change overnight and demands for equality cannot be imposed by external forces. The best option is to work from within by setting aspirational goals, strategies and key performance indicators.

“These actions will lead to the creation of an enabling and inclusive environment where culture and relationships encourage differing ideas to flourish.

“In such an environment every individual will feel valued, safe and respected, she said.

In Malaysia, Rosmah said the government had been sensitive and responsive to the voices of women and had introduced and improved policies, strategies and programmes as well as established institutional structure such as a Women, Family and Community Development Ministry, to advance gender equality.

At the same time, she added the NGOs were reaching out to single mothers and women in remote areas to improve their livelihood.

Meanwhile the private sector had collaborated in the formation of the 30 percent club aimed at increasing the number of women in board rooms, she added.

- Bernama