If a great deal of attention is paid to developing the women and the youth of a country, there is a strong chance that the country is developed.

This was the keen observation of former deputy Prime Minister Tun Musa Hitam in explaining the importance of women and youths in bringing development to the country.

Quoting Malaysia as a prime example of a country that gives priority to its women and youths, Musa said that according to the World Bank’s World Development Report 2012, in Malaysia women make up 47.6 per cent of the country’s total labour force.

“97.3% of girls enrolled in primary school reached the last grade which is slightly more than the 97.1% figure for boys while the ratio of female to male university graduates is at 60:40.

“Also whether it is in the urban or rural areas, stalls, market, food stalls and sundry shops which cater to the daily needs of most people, are mostly run by women,” he said when addressing delegates at the third day of the World Marketing Summit Malaysia 2013.

Musa said that women, in spite of their crucial potential, have long been ignored and this situation needs serious focused correction.

He also said that youth’s potential will also be unleashed if they are given proper education.

“Without a comprehensive education to provide the youths with the skills in order for them to be socially conscious, responsible and competent, the developing world cannot realistically expect its position in the world to improve,” he said.

Meanwhile, the special advisor to Barefoot College, India, Meagan Fallone shared why it is essential for countries to invest in its women.

“For every $1, women give 80 cents return to her family while men give only 40 cents return to his family.

“875 million illiterate people in the world and 80 per cent is women. We need to change this by empowering women,” she said.

The WMSM 2013 is a three day dialogue-filled, “think-tank” congregation of minds, happening at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC).

The WMSM 2013 aims to revolutionise the way people think, live and act as individuals within their community, nation and the global context.

The Summit in 2013 is held from 28th to 30th September.

More information about the Summit can be found at www.wmsmalaysia.org