The Future Is Female: International Women’s Day 2026 — Is Politics Still a Man’s Game?

Civil society groups have drafted a Gender Parity Political Representation Act to push parties to field at least 30% women candidates. But beyond legislation, the real question is what happens inside political parties as that’s where candidates are ultimately chosen. To celebrate International Women’s Day #IWD2026 Melisa Idris steps outside the studio for a special episode of #TheFutureIsFemale, a panel discussion recorded at an event organised by EMPOWER, MalaysiaKini, and the Canadian High Commission in Malaysia.