Gender Diversity in The Boardroom: A Qualitative Exploration of Women Directors in Malaysia

ABSTRACT: The role of women directors in strengthening corporate governance and improving company performance is well recognised, yet their representation on corporate boards remains limited. This study explores the underrepresentation of women on the boards of publicly listed companies in Malaysia and investigates the factors contributing to this issue. A qualitative research design was employed, involving in-depth interviews with six directors from publicly listed Malaysian companies. This approach provided rich insights into women directors' contributions and the barriers that hinder their broader participation. The findings reveal that women directors enhance board effectiveness by improving stakeholder representation, enriching decision-making processes, and advancing corporate social responsibility (CSR) engagement. The women directors' perspective was also noted as adding depth to boardroom discussions and strengthening governance outcomes. However, challenges persist, particularly in identifying suitable female candidates, which is often limited by industry-specific knowledge gaps and a lack of awareness of the available talent pool. These constraints highlight the structural and organisational complexities shaping gender representation on boards. The study contributes to the discourse on gender diversity by offering insights to guide future research, policymaking, and corporate practices to promote inclusivity in board leadership.