WELCOMING FEMALE LEADERSHIP :
IT’S NOW OR NEVER
In celebration of Women’s Month, the theme for 2021 is #ChooseToChallenge, where we are given the choice to empower, support and encourage both men and women to challenge gender discrimination to achieve equality. Gender equality is after all a mission for both men and women. Women in Malaysia are starting to change equality for themselves and their futures. Many countries around the world have also started to place heavy importance on gender equality, and Malaysia is one of them. Societies are finally realising the importance of taking a stand to demand equality for Malaysian women.
Malaysia is a country that has accomplished outstanding economic success, becoming the 6th largest economy in Southeast Asia and 39th largest in the world. However, the country’s women leaders are still considered underrepresented because only a small number of women take leadership positions in almost every corner of the board. Gender inequality poses significant challenges to women in Malaysia because it takes away opportunities from deserving talented women. Given that Malaysia has vast natural resources and human capital have been the driving engine of its economic development, gender inequality is still a serious hurdle Malaysia needs to overcome in order for a positive growth for the nation in the economic and political/leadership spheres. To address this gender discrimination in employment, members of society need to break away from gender biases. The perception that men are naturally fit for public places and women for private areas makes women seem only suitable to “assist” men in the work place. This practice has to be put to stop.
First and foremost, the idea of women representation has to be understood and acknowledged by everyone. It is very important to address this pressing problem because women make up 48.6% of the entire population and we need more of them to become leaders to ensure that the voices of Malaysian women are heard. Who would understand us better if it is not from our own kind?
For example, with only 33 female representation from both the government and opposition (out of 222 seats) in the Malaysia’s House of Parliament, the inclusion and participation of more women representative is actually very important for us to come up with excellent policies and laws that will tackle gender discrimination, crimes against women and the implementation of women-friendly policies to safeguard women’s issue and rights.
What can female leaders do to empower and inspire future female leaders? Actively engage potential leaders by identifying and investing in women with skills and capacity to lead and give them the confidence to do so. It is crucial in any sort of leadership practice to build confidence at home, in the educational institution and even at their workplace. By creating this “safe space”, we will be able to see more young women coming to the front without hesitation and with full confidence. When the younger generation of ladies/women sees the boldness of a leading women, it will give them the sense of hope and inspiration to embrace their potential and be committed to move forward as a leader. Female leaders should utilize these qualities such as perseverance, empathy and passion.
Rome was not built in a day. Likewise, the hope of hitting and having 30% of women parliamentarians is not going to be immediate. Providing platforms and opportunities are important but it is more important to create awareness and exposure as to why we should embrace and welcome female leadership into the picture. It is not only the young girls and women that should be educated but this has to reach their family members, acquaintances and their community in order for them to help these potential future leaders to nurture and grow to be a productive, compassionate and empathetic leaders in future. A new season is approaching and one can look with optimism on the impact it will have on women’s empowerment and leadership in Malaysia. Be brave, be bold and shatter that glass ceiling because our time is now or never.
AINIE HAZIQAH
Ketua Wanita Muda Negara
#InternationalWomensMonth
#empoweringwomen
gender discrimination example 在 Ainie Haziqah Facebook 的最佳貼文
ZERO DISCRIMINATION DAY
Today is #ZeroDiscriminationDay and the start of Women’s Month! Everyone has the right to live with respect and dignity with ZERO DISCRIMINATION. The theme of this year’s Day is the fight against discrimination faced by women and girls, and the organization aims to raise awareness, mobilize action, and promote equality.
Gender discrimination has been continuing to threaten the hard work & progress for Human Rights. On this day, let us remember that AIDS remains the biggest killer of women aged 15-49 years. To end AIDS by 2030, we must collectively work together and end gender based violence inequality, insecurity and ensure that women and girls have equal access to education, health and employment.
Governments must promote inclusive social and economic growth. They must eliminate discriminatory laws, policies and practices in order to ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities.
But we can all play our part by calling out discrimination where we see it, by setting an example or by advocating to change the law. We all have a role to play in ending discrimination and so reducing inequalities.
Ending inequality requires transformative change. Greater efforts are needed to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger and there is a need to invest more in health, education, social protection and decent jobs.
The Zero Discrimination Day join us raising awareness about the inequalities that prevent people from living a full and productive life and demanding that governments fulfil their commitments and obligations to end all forms of discrimination.
AINIE HAZIQAH
Ketua Wanita Muda Negara
#ZeroDiscriminationDay
#EqualOpportunity
#GenerationEquality
#TeamWanitaMudaNegara
gender discrimination example 在 美國在台協會 AIT Facebook 的最讚貼文
「所有人類都應當受到尊重及有尊嚴的對待,無論他們是誰或愛的是誰,都應當能夠過著毫無恐懼的生活。在世界各地及美國,男女同性戀者、雙性戀者、跨性別者、酷兒及雙性人 (LGBTQI+) 勇於爭取法律之下的平等保護、免受暴力的自由,以及對於其基本人權的認同。美國站在為這群人奮鬥的第一線,為人權大聲疾呼,並堅守我們最珍視的價值觀。美國政策應當致力於終止基於性取向、性別認同、性別表達或性別特徵的暴力和歧視,並以美國自身典範的力量為出發點,促進全球LGBTQI+族群的人權。」— 美國總統拜登關於促進全球LGBTQI+族群人權的備忘錄
備忘錄全文請參考:https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/02/04/memorandum-advancing-the-human-rights-of-lesbian-gay-bisexual-transgender-queer-and-intersex-persons-around-the-world/
“All human beings should be treated with respect and dignity and should be able to live without fear no matter who they are or whom they love. Around the globe, including here at home, brave lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI+) activists are fighting for equal protection under the law, freedom from violence, and recognition of their fundamental human rights. The United States belongs at the forefront of this struggle — speaking out and standing strong for our most dearly held values. It shall be the policy of the United States to pursue an end to violence and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or sex characteristics, and to lead by the power of our example in the cause of advancing the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons around the world.” —— President Biden’s Memorandum on Advancing the Human Rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex Persons Around the World
Read the full text here: https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/02/04/memorandum-advancing-the-human-rights-of-lesbian-gay-bisexual-transgender-queer-and-intersex-persons-around-the-world/