KOTA KINABALU: There should be a quota system to address the persistent patriarchy and discrimination against women in certain communities, says a state leader.
For generations, indigenous women had been sidelined in decision-making processes and leadership roles and that should change, said Kapayan assemblyman Jannie Lasimbang.
“Indigenous women play a crucial role in self-determination, which includes active participation in decision-making and leadership.
“Providing them with opportunities and building trust is essential for them to assume leadership positions,” she said.
Noting that patriarchy and discrimination still prevailed, Lasimbang called for a quota system to ensure indigenous women were given equal opportunities as well as equitable land inheritance.
“Families should pass down land equitably to daughters, and the legal framework must guarantee that indigenous women have equal rights in land ownership and tenure,” she added.
Protection for indigenous women was another key point raised by Lasimbang, who highlighted the importance of living free from violence as well as having access to legal protection and justice.
The former state assistant minister in charge of education and innovation also called for financial support and entrepreneurial programmes to help indigenous women achieve economic independence.
“Financial support and programmes for indigenous women entrepreneurs are vital for their economic independence.
“Additionally, government support for childcare would enable them to participate more actively in empowerment programmes,” said Lasimbang, who is also a former Unicef Malaysia consultant.
She shared her views after participating online in the World’s Indigenous People Day’s forum titled “The Role of Women in the Right to Self-Determination”.
Themed “Take Back Our Rights”, the three-day event, which ended yesterday, was celebrated with forums addressing critical issues faced by indigenous communities in Malaysia.
The event, which took place in Bau, Sarawak, saw the participation of notable figures including former chief justice Tun Richard Malanjum and other key leaders in the indigenous community.
The forums covered various topics such as customary land rights and sustainable development.
