PENANG, Malaysia, Jul 26, 2010 (IPS) - It is a paradox, all right. Women make up more than half of those who take part in protests and other activities organised by her political party on issues affecting low-income workers, says Rani Rasiah of the Socialist Party of Malaysia.

But when it comes to holding official positions at the party's local branches, more than half of the officials happen to be men, she observes.

"Maybe the womenfolk feel they have responsibilities at home and are unable to attend regular party meetings and the demands that come with them," reasons the party's deputy secretary general.

''There is also a certain degree of control at home about women going out at night or leaving the household to attend regular meetings," she continues. ''Maybe the women themselves lack self esteem and self-confidence to play a leadership role.''