‘More decision-making posts for women’

KLANG: Whenever she attends meetings with NGOs, social activist Norliza Ismail cannot help but notice that almost all the committees are made up entirely of men.

Norliza, president of the Women Inspiration Association Selangor, said it was also the men who made decisions on programmes and events targeting women.

“But when it comes to organising and running the programmes, it will always be the women in these organisations who are tasked with doing the job,” she added.

As such, she said it was high time that more women were put in decision-making positions in non-gender specific NGOs to instil equality in these organisations.

She said currently, women only held decision-making positions in women-centric organisations.

“I think the time is ripe for doing away with the notion that only men should be appointed or elected to manage non-gender specific NGOs.

“And women must also not shy away from asking to helm these positions or standing for elections during these NGOs’ annual general meetings,” said Norliza.

Indian Women Empowerment Association president Yogeswary Thamichelvam said there was a need for policies geared towards gender equality.

“This would enable women to upgrade themselves in various sectors as well as seek knowledge and upskill their talent,” she said.

She added that having non-gender discriminatory policies would also instil confidence in women as well as help them pursue their dreams.

Academic Dr Mastura Mahamed, who is with Universiti Putra Malaysia, said there was so much stigma when it comes to women with disabilities.

“As it is, there is some discrimination against women. If they are disabled, the discrimination is double and tinged with stigma due to a lack of policy implementation as well as societal mind-set,” said Dr Mastura, who is living with cerebral palsy.

She cited an example of how a policy was implemented in the 1980s for 1% of government servants to come from the disabled community.

Not only was the quota not filled, she said there were fewer disabled women than disabled men in the civil service.

“The same goes for the private sector, which hires women with a certain appearance, ability and looks.

“This stigma and stereotyping have prevented women with disabilities from achieving their potential and possible career development,” she added.

Women’s Aid Organisation executive director Sumitra Visvanathan said there was a need for legislation that localises the key elements set by the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (Cedaw).

These laws must cover all aspects of women’s lives, she added.

“The government needs to start working on legislation on anti- discrimination against women, ensure meaningful gender responsive budgeting, and see a discernible shift in public attitude towards gender equality,” said Sumitra.