Some participants raising awareness about Orang Asli and gender equality.
Women must constitute at least 30% of candidates fielded in the next general election – this was one of the key demands from non-governmental organisations (NGOs) participating in Women’s March Malaysia 2025 (WMMY 2025).
Project 30%, an initiative under Persatuan Kesedaran Komuniti Selangor (Empower), advocates for legislative amendments to ensure greater female participation in politics.
The NGO was among several organisations with awareness booths at the event held at Taman Jaya in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, in conjunction with International Women’s Day.
WMMY 2025 also featured talks and performances aimed at raising public consciousness about gender equality.
Empower’s executive director Gopal Papchan emphasised the need for regulatory changes to guarantee more women were elected.
“Women represent up to 50% of the population, yet they account for only 13.5% of MPs, 14.8% of senators in the Dewan Negara and 12.2% of state assembly members,” said Gopal.
“Our campaign seeks to persuade all political parties to field at least 30% women candidates across all levels.”
A dance performance by Orang Asli youths at WMMY 2025. — Photos: RAJA FAISAL HISHAN/The Star
He further urged the public to pressure the government into amending electoral laws, mandating political parties to meet this minimum percentage.
The Endometriosis Association of Malaysia (MyEndosis) also had a booth at WMMY 2025, highlighting the impact of endometriosis on women’s physical, social and mental well-being during their productive years.
MyEndosis founder and president Surita Mogan stressed that menstrual pain was not normal and advised seeking medical help as early as the teenage years.
“Early diagnosis of menstrual pain causes enables better treatment.
“Girls as young as nine can experience severe pain, which may worsen without intervention,” she said.
“Our association includes a male wing, EndoBrothers, which educates boys and men about endometriosis, enabling them to inform women in their families and social circles,” she added.
There were also booths on statelessness, period poverty, and reproductive health access, among various issue focus.
Visitor Natania Andrea, 21, said she attended the WMMY 2025 as it represented issues that were meaningful to her.
“This event provided a platform for youths to share their thoughts,” said Andrea who is pursuing a degree in communications.
This year’s WMMY did not feature a march.
Instead, it had poetry recitations and performances by Orang Asli youths.
The event attracted several hundred visitors.
WMMY 2025 also articulated several other demands, calling for an end to genocide, armed conflicts and war profiteering.
It urged for economic justice, labour rights for all and climate crisis action.
Participants also demanded the protection of indigenous peoples’ land rights and the guarantee of full rights and protection for every child.
