MPs need to prioritise the Sexual Harassment Bill

The Sexual Harassment Bill, which is slated to be tabled in Parliament later this year, is a critical measure to address sexual harassment that occurs in any context, including in the workplace. — Filepic/The Star

Following the change of the Federal Government in Malaysia in March 2020, existing Parliamentary Select Committees were dissolved, including the Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment Select Committee. While a gender or women's committee was not among the new committees proposed, after an application by Alice Lau (Lanang Member of Parliament) and support from the public, the House Committee later agreed to set up the Special Select Committee on Women, Children and Social Development. The Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO) learnt this information through Lau’s Facebook page.

This is one step towards ensuring that the system and laws that protect the rights and dignity of women are upheld through Parliamentary reforms.