IWD2017: Help forge a more gender-inclusive world - Najib

He said as Malaysia marched towards 2020, it was still his ambition to see women being equal partners and drivers of growth.

"To do that, even more so for men, we must challenge gender bias and inequality, campaign against violence, shape women's advancement, celebrate women's achievements and champion women's rights for equal education," said Najib in his latest blog posting at najibrazak.com.

In realising the matter, everyone including men needed to be involved and to play their part, he said.

"I want all, especially men to #BeBoldForChange. Then and only then, men and women can be equal partners," Najib said.

The prime minister in his message also proudly noted that Malaysia had surpassed his vision to have 30 percent of women in decision-making positions in the public sector by 2016.

"I am proud that in Malaysia, women have made so many strides forward that by August 2015, we accomplished 37 percent of women in decision-making positions in the public sector.

"For when women succeed, we all triumph together. Happy International Women's Day to all!" said Najib.