Bully culture among reasons women avoid politics, says Wanita PKR

WANITA PKR today cited the bully culture among the factors keeping women away from active politics.  

The wing’s national executive committee member, Sandrea Ng, who is also Perak PKR communications director, said women still faced injustices in education, the workplace, and their communities due to discrimination and gender imbalance. 

She said the situation even extended to the legislative institutions, and cited recent instances where sexist remarks were made in Dewan Rakyat.  

Ng, who is also Perak Housing and Local Government Committee chairman, said these statements were not only disappointing but extremely hurtful to women.  

“Enough is enough!... I want to strongly object to all these statements because this behaviour is irresponsible and establishes a culture of bullying towards women in politics,” she said in her Wanita PKR leaders “reflection speech” at the congress held at Putrajaya International Convention Centre today.  

Issues related to empowering and providing equality to women in various administrative institutions were also raised by several delegates, including Selangor delegate Ainul Aizura Ahsan, who urged the government to do more to promote gender equality and protect women’s rights. 

“This includes fully enforcing laws against gender discrimination in all fields and domestic violence and increasing representation in legislative bodies and other leadership positions,” she said. 

Terengganu delegate, Ramlah Saleh, said institutions and agencies had a duty to ensure equality for women.  

“Women also need to be treated fairly based on qualifications – to be in places they deserve. 

“As such, government institutions and agencies need to provide training and courses as well as awareness to their employees regarding gender stereotypes in these institutions to improve awareness and reduce discrimination,” she said. – Bernama, November 25, 2023.