Bridging the Gap:

Female labour force participation is essential for economic development, yet Malaysia continues to face challenges in increasing women's workforce engagement despite improvements in education and government-led initiatives.This study examines how human capital (education, skills, and experience) alongside psychological factors influence female labour market participation.The target group consists of 401 women aged 20-60 in Klang Valley, Johor, and Perak, with data collected through a convenience sampling survey conducted from 24 May to 24 August 2024.Mediation analysis reveals that self-actualisation significantly mediates the effects of education, skills, and experience on labour force participation, highlighting career fulfilment as a key motivator.Physiological needs also mediate the effects of education and experience, underscoring the importance of meeting basic needs for workforce entry.However, safety and esteem needs do not significantly mediate labour force participation, suggesting that cultural norms and workplace constraints may limit their impact.These findings highlight the need for policies that enhance career development opportunities, improve wage structures, and support flexible work arrangements to align with women's self-actualisation and financial stability goals.Additionally, expanding affordable childcare support and addressing workplace gender biases can further encourage female workforce participation.This study underscores the importance of integrating economic and psychological considerations in labour policies to create a more inclusive and sustainable employment landscape for Malaysian women.