Right to choose, 5 Mar 2009

A day for women to show their solidarity

FOR most of us, International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 8 holds little significance other than a nod of recognition to a small group of women who brought about industrial change.

In the bigger picture, IWD marks a day when women reaffirm their solidarity. Events are held globally to honour women’s advancement, while reminding us of the continued vigilance and action required to ensure that women’s equality is gained and maintained in all aspects of life.
Young people can do much to ensure equality for women.

This year, the Women’s Centre for Change (WCC) has chosen the theme Right to Choose, Right to Change and Right to Celebrate. It reflects the fact that even after 50 years of independence, Malaysian women still have to fight for their rights and recognition.

“We (WCC) often come across women who are abused in their homes, yet they have few choices because of their young children and dependency on their husbands,” says Loh Cheng Kooi, WCC’s executive director.

“At the workplace, women are still subjected to wage discrimination and sexual harassment.

“The theme speaks to every Malaysian woman about her right to make choices about her own life, to change the situation she is in and to celebrate being a woman.”

The theme also serves to promote gender equality and recognise our diversities as women and as Malaysians. explains Loh. It’s important that women understand that they have a right to choose a better life for themselves be it a career path, a life partner, a life without violence, or an accountable form of government. In making these choices, women have to work to change the situations they are in.

“It’s also a celebration of womanhood for all Malaysian women irrespective of their age, ethnicity and socio-economic status,” she adds.

On March 21, WCC will be having a day-long celebration with activities such as the Malaysian Race, a mini-film fest, games and a T-shirt designing competition.

Student Rosa Goh, 19, from Segi College, Penang, helped to choose some of the film clips.

“It’s good to be involved as I’ve learnt so much about women empowerment and discrimination. And when you talk about equality, it’s about rights for all regardless of race or sex,” says Rosa.

“As a girl, I know I’m judged by the clothes I wear. Women need to be educated and be more aware that they shouldn’t have to put up with things like sexual harassment. The theme is apt as it speaks to my generation about making conscious choices and our right to voice them out.”

For Nur Ezalia Shuhada Marzukhi, 19, who’s studying at the Teachers Training College Penang Campus, it’s about changing the mindset of women.

“It has a lot to do with our upbringing as we’re so used to men playing the lead role and it’s still very much a male-dominated society. As young people, there’s lots we can do to make it a better place for women and we shouldn’t put up with discrimination,” she says.

Loh feels that the younger generation of today have better access to information and education, and are in a better position to influence change. Younger women can re-energise the struggle, be innovative and take a bolder approach to challenge archaic practices.

“Older women can support younger women in making choices and changing their lives by sharing their life experiences, being role models and encouraging younger women to break the boundaries,” she says.

_Take part in WCC’s Amazing Malaysian Race on March 21! Form a team of five with at least one male and one female member, and at least two members belonging to different ethnic groups. The whole idea is to push boundaries and encourage friendship in the spirit of Bangsa Malaysia. Budding artists can also take part in the T-shirt design competition. Designs must be related to the IWD theme: Right to Choose, Right to Change and Right to Celebrate. Participants should be between 18 and 25 years old. Registration fee: RM10 (non-refundable). Closing date: March 18. Download the registration form and other details from www.wccpenang.org