THE social impact of the sacrifices of women, who strive tirelessly against inequality and discrimination, were recognised in a public sharing session held to mark International Women’s Day.
Hosted at the Hin Bus Depot at Jalan Timah in George Town, Penang, the event saw some 100 participants, including several men, step forward to thank women who had left a positive impact on their lives.
The session was organised by volunteer groups led by 73-year-old retired Malaysian academician Chan Lean Heng.
As people shared their gratitude, the event became a platform to raise public awareness on gender equality and to recognise women’s contributions to society.
“Throughout history, women have collaborated and led purposeful, determined actions to redress inequality in the hope of a better future not just for ourselves, but for our communities, including children and men.
“Whether through widely publicised, well-documented action or through quiet humble resistance that never made it into the history books, women have always struggled against control, domination and exploitations for equality and gender justice.
“Each of us, individually and collectively can help co-create a more gender-equal society among us,” said Chan.
The three-hour gathering featured singing and dance performances, storytelling sessions, and a play paying tribute to Hakka women who supported their families during the olden days.
Celebrated every March 8, International Women’s Day honours the social, economic, cultural and political achievements as well as struggles of women.
Earlier, 2,000 stalks of flowers were distributed to visitors and traders at Chowrasta Market.
Handing out the flowers, Tanjong MP Lim Hui Ying said the state government was developing public childcare and elder care facilities to help, especially women in Penang, balance family and career responsibilities.
“According to statistics, Penang is becoming an ageing society.
“It is expected that in 2040, one out of every four residents of the state would be over 60 years old, with Tanjong area having the largest elderly population.
“Based on data from the Penang Statistics Department, and the National Population and Family Development Board, as of 2023, around 8.5% of Penang’s total population were aged 65, and above.
“This figure exceeds the national average, and this ageing rate is expected to continue increasing,” she said.
Lim, who is also Deputy Finance Minister, added that she would work closely with the state government to ensure that women would be better supported in their family carer roles so that they would be able to progress in their careers.
“To support women operating micro, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs), the government has allocated RM4.7bil through SME banks, Bank Simpanan Nasional, Bank Rakyat and Majlis Amanah Rakyat.
“The Employees’ Provident Fund, through the i-Suri scheme, supports housewives under the age of 55 registered with e-Kasih, with a government contribution of 50% for every RM1 saved, up to RM300 per year, and with a lifetime limit of RM3,000.
“The Housewives Social Security Scheme by the Social Security Organisation also protects women and permanent residents, including those single, divorced, widowed and single mothers, or housewives working full-time or part-time at home,” she said.
Lim added that although women in the country make up a majority in higher education institutions, their employment remained far below that of men.
“According to the Statistics Department, women comprise 65% of students in tertiary institutions.
“But, their labour force participation rate is only 56%, much lower than men’s at 82.9%, as many have left their careers to take care of their families.
“To increase women’s workforce participation, the government has introduced policies such as tax incentives for employers who hire women back into the workforce, as well as the ‘Returnship Programme’ by Bank Negara Malaysia and the Securities Commission to support women with the necessary assistance and opportunities for them to return to their careers,” added Lim.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who was present, said the government was making efforts to achieve gender equality and empower women to play important roles in society.
“Faced with labour changes needed to drive the economy, Penang needs more women to enter the job market after they are free from their family commitments.
“We will need legislative systems and programmes to drive this initiative,” said Chow, who is Padang Kota assemblyman.
