The Information Needs Of Women
Many studies have been done on the information behaviour of people in developing countries, especially in regard to technology and retrieval systems. A number of studies have also been done on the information needs of women. Amongst the working class there is no taboo on women - whether married or single - taking up jobs outside the home whether it is in the field or the factory. The above statement is true, in today’s era women working in an agency or a factory is something that not taboo because of the changing times that force women to participate work to fulfil the personal or family needs. Based on my personal opinion I agree if the woman chooses to work, because the work itself would add insight, experience, and knowledge, which in Islam seeking knowledge is an obligation, it is start early until the end of life of a person. But what about women who are married and have children?
If reconnected with religious laws whether time to care for children, husband and keep the house, is it not the obligation, too? This is the big question that is often debated. I personally think this is not a problem that needs to be debated because every woman has the ability and strength their self to set the time to work and care for her family. Workplace reforms such as flexible working arrangements have been cited by researchers and policy makers as a possible tool to encourage more women to participate in paid labour Such as if women get enough opportunity so they can prove of their self. But even the top industry, consumer staples, have many places female bosses. Some studies say that gender diversity can have a positive impact on companies’ decision-making. These help to make increased emotional intelligence, more dynamic workplace as well new growth opportunities.
Statistically, 54% of Malaysian women are working which means your wife, girlfriend, sister or daughter is making her own money. According to data released by UOB Malaysia, women are increasingly using their credit cards to pay for basic necessities such as insurance, groceries and utilities; as well as niceties like travel and lifestyle shopping. In fact, credit card spending by women has increased by 125% over the last five years compared to a 71% rise in credit card spending by men within the same period. Women are quickly catching up! So, what does this data really tell us? One, that more women are joining the workforce with more disposable income in hand, which means that two, their purchasing power has increased and three, women have more money to balance their spending priorities. But it doesn’t stop there.
We have to acknowledge the growing consumer group that is made up of over three million urban single Malaysian women. Based on the consistent growth we’ve seen over the past decade; this group is not going anywhere. On a macro-level, the total income tax paid by single women has grown by 18.4% between 2013 and 2015. It’s a sign that women in Malaysia are more empowered today than ever before, that getting married is no longer the primary focus but instead setting up their financial stability and professional career takes centre fold, and I’m one of them!
These women don’t need a man to support their lifestyles or financial goals; they can fend for themselves and are financially independent women. I’m not just talking about taking care of daily expenses, we single women can also buy our own cars, apartments and treat ourselves to jewellery and dining out. Naturally this links back to women having higher education. There are now more women than men in higher education.
