International Women’s Day – Reflections from MIA’s Women Leaders | Accountants Today

By MIA Strategic Communications & Branding Team and Nazatul Izma Abdullah

Women are an integral part of the accountancy profession today, a visible force for dynamism and inclusivity across all echelons and organisations in Malaysia. From boardrooms to classrooms, policy halls to community initiatives, Malaysian women accountants are striding ahead with vision, integrity, and generosity. This International Women’s Day 2026, themed Give to Gain, MIA celebrates the power of their contribution—going beyond personal success to uplift others, advance the profession, and craft a legacy that transcends numbers and spreadsheets.

Give To Gain – in their Own Words

For the women leaders in the ranks of MIA’s Council and senior management, Give to Gain means contributing time, effort, and expertise across different platforms to create meaningful impact.

MIA Council Member Farnida Ngah, describes it as “contribution which strengthens both the individual and the institution.” Similarly, MIA Council Member Associate Professor Dr. Arifatul Husna explains: “As women in the accountancy profession—as educators, researchers, professionals, and family members—we ‘Give to Gain’ by offering knowledge, integrity, mentorship, and compassion to uplift others and strengthen the profession.” Rasmimi Ramli, MIA Executive Director, Sustainability Digital Economy & Services (SDES), emphasises that it involves “giving commitment, trust, and time to achieve meaningful outcomes.”

These contributions often yield returns over time rather than immediately—and the gains might be intangible. As Farnida notes, “Some of the most meaningful returns are not reflected on a balance sheet. They arise from our expertise, judgment, and willingness to serve beyond immediate responsibilities.” Dr. Arifatul adds, “When we give quality education, we gain a legacy through future-ready graduates; when we uphold ethics, we gain public trust; when we mentor, we gain confident women leaders shaping governance and sustainability practices.”

Taking a broader nation-building perspective, Accountant General of Malaysia Dato’ Zainani Jusoh lauds the profession’s role in strengthening governance and safeguarding the public interest:

“In the accountancy profession, ‘Give to Gain’ reflects our collective responsibility to serve with integrity, uphold strong governance, and act in the public interest. Women accountancy professionals contribute significantly to strengthening institutional accountability, ensuring responsible stewardship of resources, and upholding the highest standards of ethics and transparency. By sharing expertise, mentoring future professionals, and leading with integrity, we not only strengthen our institutions but also reinforce public trust in the profession and contribute to the nation’s long-term development.”

How They Contribute

MIA’s women leaders contribute across both professional and personal spheres. MIA Council Member, Faziyatun Mohamed Yahya highlights opportunities for professional mentorship and personal community engagement: “Sharing knowledge encourages new team members to develop through mentorship programs, workshops, and discussion sessions.” She adds that women accountants can contribute through CSR initiatives as well, for example by offering financial support and hands-on involvement in well-being, sustainability, and climate action initiatives.

As an academician, MIA Council Member Professor Dr. Haslinda Yusoff emphasises the long-term impact of giving in education: “Giving knowledge builds a legacy—teaching accounting is not merely an act of transferring technical knowledge and skills, but shaping ethical and strategic future decision-makers. Giving integrity builds trust—the profession thrives on public confidence. All lectures relating to governance, audit, or financial reporting are an investment in sustaining that trust. The more we give—time, expertise, mentorship, and values—the greater the collective gain for students, institutions, and the profession.”

MIA Council Member Dr. Kamisah Ismail frames giving as an investment in professional capital—human, social, and reputational. “The accounting profession thrives when its members actively contribute through standard-setting, thought leadership, mentoring, regulatory dialogue, and community engagement. When women professionals step forward to serve on committees, working groups, and councils, they do not only advance their own careers; they elevate representation, diversity of thought, and institutional integrity,” explains Dr. Kamisah.

MIA Council Member Dr. Patricia Francis highlights that women leaders in accountancy can make an impact through empathetic and value-driven leadership to strengthen the profession by being part of supportive women-led communities such as LEAD Woman/ Lean-In Community besides advocating for inclusive workplaces, and investing in future talents intentionally. As a Lean In and freelance mentor, she supports mid-level managers and junior professionals by developing their critical thinking, problem-solving, confidence, and other essential soft skills to boost their career. “Besides creating a community of resilient, generous professionals, the gain would include a stronger, more inclusive and future-ready profession that inspires the next generation of accountants”she added.

Concurring, Dr. Arifatul adds: “Collectively, by advocating inclusive leadership, advancing ESG and accountability, and engaging with communities, we elevate not only our own careers but also the credibility, relevance, and impact of the accountancy profession for generations to come.”

Structuring Giving for Future Relevance

Giving is also strategic empowerment that expands one’s influence and impact. Ideally, giving and support systems should be strategic and intentional in order to build capacity and optimise impacts across generations—toward the future relevance of the profession.

Saniza Said, MIA President, says: “Collectively, we must build systems that outlast us — structured mentorship pipelines, inclusive policies, leadership pathways, and supportive professional networks.”

“When we advocate equity, elevate others, and prepare the next generation, we are not just giving—we are securing the profession’s future,” she emphasises.

For academicians, Dr. Kamisah adds, “When we invest in teaching, mentoring, and nurturing ethical reasoning, we shape future custodians of the profession. We gain graduates who are competent, ethical, and globally aware.”

Giving also benefits the giver. Farnida reflects: “Exposure to diverse viewpoints and institutional challenges beyond the corporate environment sharpens judgment and broadens perspective.”

Giving can also strengthen teamwork and collaboration, while uplifting individuals. Ho Foong Chin, MIA Director, Membership Operations, explains: “The more we give our time, mentorship, reassurance, and experience, the stronger our teams become.” In addition, “Giving hope, belief, encouragement, and opportunity equip people to rise, and when they rise, we all gain.”

Leading for the Future

Looking ahead, women accountancy professionals are encouraged to step out of their comfort zones to embrace leadership.

As women professionals currently represent 56% of MIA’s total membership of close to 42,000 members, MIA is committed to ensuring that women have opportunities to flourish and contribute to the future relevance of the profession. Acknowledging the growing number of women professionals and the central role of women leaders in the accountancy profession in driving sustainable growth, MIA Chief Executive Officer, G Shanmugam, says: “Women leaders are central to MIA’s purpose and vision. By fostering talent, championing ethics, and creating inclusive pathways, we ensure the profession thrives and adapts to future challenges and opportunities.”

MIA Vice President, Ahmad Syahazan Yaacob, calls for further inclusivity to build up the profession: “Leadership is strengthened when diverse voices are elevated. Supporting women in accountancy empowers individuals and builds resilience, innovation, and trust across the profession.”

To ensure the profession’s continuity and resilience, MIA Council Member Siti Hajar Osman encourages capable women to mentor and sponsor the next generation: “Step into leadership with integrity, courage, and authenticity. Share experiences, including challenges, to inspire confidence.” Dr. Haslinda echoes the call for leadership: “Collectively, women can build mentorship networks, champion ethical leadership, bridge academia–practice gaps, and advocate for work environments balancing excellence and wellbeing.”

Uplifting the Profession, Together

All women, regardless of seniority or rank, can make a difference through their support and contributions to the profession. Dr. Kamisah underscores the collective benefit of Give to Gain: “The more we contribute meaningfully to others, the more sustainable value we create.” Rasmimi adds, “Women accountants should give commitment and time to advocate and uplift the profession as trusted advisors to business, government, and economy, ensuring its relevance and sustainability.” Puan Saniza concludes on an inspiring note, “Every time a woman reaches back to lift another, she strengthens the entire profession.”