Tan Sri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil

Tan Sri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil rose to prominence in Malaysia’s male-dominated political scene in the 1990s as a pioneering force for women’s rights, driven by a passion for uplifting the marginalised and promoting gender equality. As Malaysia’s first Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, she spearheaded critical reforms during her 11-year tenure, including amending the Federal Constitution to ensure gender equality and advocating for policies that enabled more women to enter decision-making roles in the public and private sectors.

Today, as chairperson of The Malaysian Association of Women and Family (HAWA), Shahrizat continues her mission to empower women and families across the nation. HAWA’s work focuses on identifying challenges faced by women and families, influencing policies, and executing community programmes that bridge gaps between the people and those in power. Shahrizat’s impactful leadership also includes chairing the Yayasan Tan Sri Professor Ahmad Ibrahim, a foundation that supports marginalised communities in accessing legal assistance and education.

A lawyer by profession, Shahrizat’s contributions extend beyond the legal and political fields, having led countless initiatives to promote family-friendly policies and disability rights. Under her leadership, HAWA and Malaysia’s Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) joined forces in July 2024 to launch the ‘Women in Trade and Industry’ (WITI) initiative to ensure strategic support at all levels for women entrepreneurs as part of a wider effort to bolster greater female participation in the workforce and economy.

Shahrizat is married to scientist Dato’ Sri Dr Mohamad Salleh Ismail, and they are blessed with three children and four grandchildren.