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©The Sun (Used by permission)
by Prema E. Devaraj

In 50 years, I sincerely hope that civil society and the government of the day would have moved away from treating gender issues superficially, and begun to really understand the full impact of gender discrimination and what gender equality actually encompasses.

That by then, society would have begun to understand and practice what respect for another person truly means. That a person’s sex, age, disability, ethnicity, religious beliefs or socio-economic class would no longer prejudice us.

Over the next five decades, I look forward to the full and proper implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (Cedaw), of which the Malaysian government is a signatory, with all existing reservations removed; the implementation of Article 8(2) of the Federal Constitution which prohibits discrimination on the grounds of gender, that it will no longer be merely cited as an example of how progressive the country has become; the implementation of just and non-discriminatory laws in the country; and the mainstreaming of gender into all ministries – gender issues should not just come under the purview of a single ministry.

One can only hope that by then, the agenda for gender equality is taken seriously and dealt with in an intelligent, comprehensive and constructive manner and not joked about, side-tracked or circumvented for political purposes.

If we all work hard enough, there is a chance that we might have a society where women are no longer seen as subordinate beings needing protection but as people who have full rights in the country, deserving of respect, opportunities and choices. Where poverty and prejudice will not be factors holding women back. Where working class women have decent wages and access to affordable housing, health care and child care facilities. Where women are not judged by what they wear (or don’t wear) or what they look like. Where women’s voices are sought, heard and listened to, not just during the elections but at all times. Where women’s voices are voices encompassing the diversity of women and their needs in the country and not just of a select few.

Fifty years from today, I hope that violence against women would have lessened. That over time, more people would have understood the need for gender sensitisation and begun implementing such programs among our youth to help reduce the level of gender violence in society.

It must be possible to have a society where women need not live in fear of their partners, where they can discuss issues or ask questions or disagree with their partners without being physically, verbally or emotionally abused or accused of being disobedient for going against religious or cultural norms.

And outside the home, one can only wish that there will come a time where women can walk down the streets without being fearful of having their purses snatched or being sexually assaulted or work in an environment free from sexual harassment.

I fervently hope that women will be free to be all that they want to be, without having to hide their true identities or aspirations for fear of non-conforming or of public retaliation.

That in time, women can truly have the freedom to choose how they want to live their lives without being told to submit, obey or fall in line with what is expected of them or dictated to them.

I look for that time in the future where women will have full control over their bodies, their sexuality, their thoughts and choices. I remain optimistic as this is already possible for a few women but we need to work very hard to make it a reality for all women.

My hope for civil society 50 years from today is that people feel empowered enough to stand up and speak out against any form of discrimination or injustice. That women and men will be able to stand united against oppression in the country, be it in the form of the abuse of human rights, discriminatory structures and practices, growing conservatism, corrupt practices, policies which favour profits over people, or repressive laws.

That women and men, as diverse as we may be, can stand together as equal partners in our struggle for a just, ethical and accountable country. For a Malaysia better than what we have today.

Prema Evelyn Devaraj is the programme director at the Women’s Centre for Change in Penang. A chocolate-loving advocate for non-violence who is also a parent and a partner, she has been working on issues related to women and children for the past 10 years.

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