Across Asia, more women are entering STEM education, but significant gaps remain in who stays, advances and leads. In our Fair Comment segment of the latest issue of Connections, Masjaliza Hamzah and Maria Chin Abdullah, prominent leaders and women’s rights advocates in Malaysia, share their perspectives on what needs to change. From workplace barriers and care responsibilities to persistent stereotypes, they unpack what institutions, employers and governments can do to strengthen women’s participation and leadership.