This year for International Women’s Day, UN Women has outlined the theme ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate progress” which comes in timely as more than half of the countries in the world will face elections which will see political parties and Governments attempt to woo voters on their progressive (or regressive) policies to win the hearts, minds and support of their electorate. Will the rights, wants and needs of women be on the main agenda? Time will tell and this would be the best time to gauge which political parties value the contributions of women in all sectors and to ensure their voices are heard as part of a national investment.
While Malaysia may not be having an election fever, we cannot rest on our laurels on empowering women and to safeguard and protect the rights of women across all aspects of life, today and for the future.
For decades, women’s matters had not been given the due importance nor recognition in the business of the Government as the voices of women from all walks of life seemed to be muzzled by misogynists and the patriarchs within the institution. However, there has been an improvement on prioritising the wants and needs of women because of the voices of women – in Parliament and outside who are relentlessly advocating for women’s rights to be seen and treated as a fundamental human rights matter.
After years of enduring mansplaining in and outside Parliament, today we see the Government taking a more open approach to the concept of a gender responsive financing, investing in care economy and most importantly to be held accountable for its commitments to resolving issues relating to women’s rights. From a gender pay gap to the need for more women in politics, from gender based violence to citizenship matters, from the lack of affordable childcare to financial independence, from climbing the corporate ladder based on merit to the sacrifices of a stay at home mother or caretaker, from journalists and activists demanding for rights, transparency, independence and an even playing field to fighters for justice, freedom and integrity, from ending child marriages to criminalising marital rape and from being objectified and often seen as foot soldiers, the layers of glass ceilings appears endless but with the right mindset, transparency, political will and courage, I am confident that we will see changes take place, little by little as the country navigates herself in the right direction on women’s rights and empowerment.
While it is undoubtedly true that Malaysia is still facing a lack of awareness on the roles and responsibilities of women as a key catalyst for change, progress and development, we are fortunate to have a Government that is more responsive to and open to constructive criticisms and striving to improve itself.
Investing in women can no longer be merely a slogan, a motto or lip service but for the Government to formulate a framework to make it happen. I am certain that with the right stakeholders making their voices heard, the rights of women in Malaysia will see brighter days ahead.
“For me, a better democracy is a democracy where women do not only have the right to vote and to elect but to be elected.” – Michele Bachelet, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, former President of Chile.
Happy International Women’s Day!