Women to the fore during pandemic

With International Women's Day on March 8, some women can’t wait to get their lives back on track after the pandemic.

In support of the 2022 International Women’s Day global collective against discrimination and gender bias, The Star, as chair of the World Editors Forum (Asia Chapter), and in collaboration with its regional media partners, will embark on a year-long initiative to highlight stories that celebrate and promote equality. Go to thestar.com.my for more #breakthebias stories.

PETALING JAYA: No thanks to the pandemic, they have put their lives on pause for two years, but Malaysian women say that they have emerged stronger.

“One thing that the pandemic has taught me is that women are strong. My wish is that all of us will stay the way we are and continue to be successful in spite of challenges,” said lecturer Nur Adillah Maaz, 41.

She said women should strive to improve their knowledge so that they could be more independent.

Nur Adillah Maaz: Women should strive to improve their knowledge so that they could be more independent.

“In the past two years, we saw how parents, especially the mothers, were struggling to help their children in online classes.

“So if they continue to update their knowledge and skills, not only will it help them to guide their kids, they will also be able to seek better opportunities or employment,” she said.

Nur Adillah’s comments were in reference to International Women’s Day on March 8 and how women could recalibrate their lives amid the pandemic.

An administrator, Shanthini Vaasu, hoped that women would be given more room to make their own decisions, especially those involving their own life.

“Girls, especially in Asia, are expected to follow certain rules.

“For example when you reached 25, you would be asked about getting married. Some people think that you are problematic if you are not married by then.

“So I wish people would just mind their business and let women make their own decision about their own life.

“If we want to get married in our 30s or even 40s, it’s all up to us. It’s our own life and we know what’s best for ourselves,” said Shanthini, 28.

Marketing and communication executive Adelyn Ghwee, 25, also believed that women should be given the freedom to pursue their dreams without having to worry about what others think of them.

Adelyn Ghwee: Women should be given the freedom to pursue their dreams without having to worry about what others think of them.

“I believe that women have so much more to contribute to society than they do presently. So I hope that more women will rise up and continue to challenge themselves,” she said.

Home baker Nur Assuhanis Ahmad, 30, is determined to rebuild her business after the earlier implementation of the movement control order.

“I have always wanted to have my own bakery but the situation now is quite hard for business owners. Our sales dropped significantly because the cost of raw materials is extremely high.

Nur Assuhanis Ahmad is determined to rebuild her business after the earlier implementation of the MCO.

“I wish that my fellow comrades will stay strong and be creative in their ways in captivating their customers. Make sure that you have all the knowledge you need to achieve success in your business,” said Nur Assuhanis.

As for Malaysian-Filipino singer-songwriter Yazmin Aziz, she said: “My wish is for us to continue being hopeful, remaining strong physically, mentally and emotionally despite everything we have been through.”

Yazmin Aziz: 'I hope we can do the things that we were able to before, like travelling.'

“Also, I hope we can do the things that we were able to before, like travelling. Those days, we would save up for a trip.

“Now, travelling is getting more expensive because of all the SOP (standard operating procedure),” said 21-year-old Yazmin, who is currently competing in a reality show.

Sharing the same sentiment is Rosma Putri Mohd Nor, 39, who hoped to be able to perform the umrah with her family soon.

Rosma Putri Mohd Noe hopes to be able to perform the umrah with her family soon

Senior executive Samantha Chow, 31, who is still recovering from Covid-19, hoped for nothing more than good health, kindness and empathy among the people.

“The pandemic has led me to appreciate things that really matter, which are the people around me,” she said, adding that mental and physical health were of importance, too.

Samantha Chow hopes for nothing more than good health, kindness and empathy among the people.