Championing the rights of indigenous women and girls in Malaysia

This is the first time the Orang Asal have been given a platform in the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, to advocate for the rights of indigenous women and children in Malaysia. Photos: Pertubuhan Wanita Orang Asal Malaysia

Pertubuhan Wanita Orang Asal Malaysia (PWOAM) president Maslah Rompado, together with a delegation of indigenous Malaysian women, were in Geneva recently to present an oral statement to the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (Cedaw Committee).

It was the first time an Orang Asal delegation has been given a platform to present and advocate for the rights of indigenous women and children in Malaysia which was a "momentous moment" for the community, says Maslah.