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©The Sun (Used by permission)
by Sonia Anirudhan and Brendan Siva

WE have come a long way since the Stone Age. A long way from the differences that characterised the roles of men and women in their way of life. In ancient times, men would go out to hunt for food while women stayed in the caves caring for their offspring. That was a time when our lifespan was short and a time when men and women alike were at the mercy of nature on a daily basis.

We have evolved since then to what we are today, primarily due to our never-ending quest for a better life. One of the natural consequences of such a quest is the fading boundaries between men and women in almost all areas.

However, as women propel themselves into arenas once dominated by men, they have faced discrimination. Gender discrimination arose from the inequalities faced by women by reason of their gender, as they exercised their right of choice in any given field.

Gender discrimination takes many forms:

» Preventing or restricting education for women.

» Forbidding or limiting decision-making roles in politics, and in economic and social environments.

» Being prevented from voting.

» Suppressed and humiliated in the workplace by sexual harassment or by sexist remarks.

» Inequality in pay and career advancement.

» Unfair contract terms which are not sensitive to a woman’s biological needs such as their reproductive rights.

» Being benchmarked against men when women differ biologically and physiologically from men.

However, as we progress, the voices of women all over the world claiming their rights to live as equals, with dignity and respect, must be heeded. Therefore, the fact that gender equality should become the prevailing ideal comes as no surprise.

The concept of gender equality has been enshrined in our Federal Constitution by way of an amendment to Article 8(2), which took effect on Sept 28, 2001. Article 8(2) now prohibits discrimination against any citizen of Malaysia on the grounds of gender.

The Malaysian government has recognised that promoting gender equality is vital for the development of the nation and to achieve its fullest potential. It has set up the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development and the Cabinet Committee on Gender Equality and Non-Discrimination. The International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women 1979 was ratified in 1995.

Government funds have been allocated and utilised for the development of women. Laws are being amended to reflect and achieve gender equality and to curb gender discrimination and sexual harassment in the workplace.

Gender equality is no longer a choice. It is a necessity. Discrimination on the basis of gender should, therefore, be a thing of the past – confined to the pages of history books, together with all other forms of discrimination that were norms in the past, but are now regarded as abhorrent and distasteful.

To achieve gender equality, Malaysians need to be gender-sensitive.

We must recognise the multi-faceted roles of women as mothers, sisters, daughters and wives. We must recognise that women play a significant role in the upbringing of their children and the value of this to society. We must at the same time recognise that women have an equal right to employment and to a career, if they so choose.

We must recognise that their contribution to society and to economic pursuits should not be hindered because of perceived limitations.

Not only do we have to abolish all discriminatory practices against women but we must further recognise the differences in women physically, biologically and physiologically.

We must cater for and accommodate their special needs without regarding them as hindrances to political, social or economical progress.

Hence, we must ensure equal access and equal opportunities in the political, social, economic, civil and cultural fronts, regardless of gender. This is crucial to the development and the maximisation of the potential of this nation.

All efforts within Malaysian society to promote and enhance gender equality would come to nothing if Malaysians do not change their mindset and adopt practices and views that are gender-sensitive.

If Malaysians still subscribe to discriminatory practices and views which are insensitive to and discriminate against women, the push towards gender equality would move at a snail’s pace.

The now infamous “bocor” remarks by two Members of Parliament and the recent statements made by state assemblymen from Penang about women’s “provocative dressing” show that gender equality and gender sensitivity are far from being universally accepted principles in
Malaysia.

Such remarks have a far greater impact than most people care to admit. It emboldens those who view women as inferior. It weakens the spirit and will of those women who work hard, day after day, balancing the needs of their families and their contribution to the social, economic and political advancement of the country.

It devalues and mocks the efforts of those working tirelessly for women’s rights and development. It instils doubt in the minds of our children, when there should be none.

Apologies have been tendered. Some doubt their sincerity. But still we have to move on. We must use these incidents as a stepping stone to
a better society. One that does not tolerate any form of discrimination against women. One that celebrates the remarkable abilities and capabilities women possess. One that cherishes the different set of skills, talents and points of view that a woman brings to the table. One that recognises and appreciates the important role Malaysian women have had and will continue to have in the development of our society and economy.

The future of our country depends on it.

Sonia Anirudhan and Brendan Siva are members of the Human Rights Committee, Bar Council Malaysia. For more information, see www.malaysianbar.org.my/hrc. Complaints of rights violations may be forwarded to rezib@malaysianbar.org.my for consideration of the committee. However, we make no assurance that all cases will adopted for action. Comments: feedback@thesundaily.com

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