KUALA LUMPUR – Time and time again, the topic of gender equality opens doors to the great debate of whether women are truly being seen and heard, if not, sidelined from gaining fair opportunities.
Taking the discussion deeper, The Vibes hosted its “Vibeinar” titled “Are Malaysian Women Truly Empowered?” yesterday.
The line-up of panellists included Permatang Pauh MP Nurul Izzah Anwar, Senator Datuk Ras Adiba Mohd Radzi, Refuge for Refugees founder and executive director Heidy Quah and Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF) chief operations officer Datuk Ariff Farhan Doss.
Moderating the online event, which garnered more than 10,000 viewers through various social media channels, was The Vibes’ Culture & Lifestyle editor and radio personality Shazmin Shamsuddin.
Highlights from the one-and-a-half-hour session saw talk revolve around opportunities for women in politics and economics, taking stock of the lottery of birth and if the gig economy is a boon or bane for women.
“Yes, we are (still) being sidelined, I’m not sure why. It’s 2021 and I think we all should realise that a lot of women are doing well in school. We have grown by leaps and bounds, and are very strong-willed,” said Ras Adiba when asked if women are being overlooked for leadership positions.
She added that the versatility of women has been highlighted even more by the pandemic.
“What we need to do is open our minds. This does not end only at women, but includes those who are disabled as well. Why deprive us of excelling?
“Again, this is 2021. It is time for us to look at women in general as smart and hard workers. We put up with a lot of things, therefore, we must be allowed to be at the same level as men,” she said while countering arguments on women being impatient for change.
Speaking up for all women
Meanwhile, Ariff said there is no requirement to prove oneself without having to resort to birthright, affluence and social standing.
In support of this, Quah said: “A lot of times, women are told that they are lucky when given opportunities, but it is not necessarily luck when a lot of effort is being put into achieving success.
“We have to be given the opportunity to speak up on important issues and encourage (others) to step forward against discrimination,” she said, adding society needs to continuously hold space to hear women out “and not just on Women’s Day”.
International Women’s Day falls on March 8.
“Just think, if we (who are of privilege) are having a hard time facing inequality challenges, what about those who are in the B40 category or those from the displaced community?
“It is more frustrating for them (to be stuck in the cycle of poverty),” said Quah, adding that women are still rigidly defined based on cultural upbringing.
“When you talk about women, it’s true, we come from diverse backgrounds. Sometimes, by virtue of our gender make-up, we face more challenges – either intrinsically or externally. The environment is (also) not usually conducive for the growth of women,” said Nurul Izzah.
“One crucial aspect is, here we are today, celebrating and wanting to push for the advancement of women. It is a good reminder that we take stock that the lottery of birth is really the most pivotal aspect you cannot choose.
“If I was somehow born in a war-torn country, I would not be able to give or articulate my opinion as I would today. So we (women) must be mindful of ensuring other women receive opportunities.”
Tackling the patriarchy
On tackling cultural norms and challenging the patriarchy, she said: “When (men) are being challenged, it’s important to look at the argument with dignity in place.”
“Even for the men, where they see it as a zero-sum game and are made to feel vulnerable, we must allow some room to be fair. It is a long-term process, but a concrete plan is crucial.
“That said, as a legislator in Parliament, I sense there is growth and a clamour to place women’s issues front and centre.
“In a post-pandemic world, you see the cracks and gaps, and people are becoming more aware and are vocal about it,” said Nurul Izzah.
“Some optimism is required here because, regardless of government and portfolio changes, you must ensure continuity. Some issues and agendas are more important than the person holding the post.
“The secret for our country is in the follow-up and auditing of a plan,” she said, referencing the sexual harassment bill.
The bill is expected to be tabled in the next Parliament sitting.
Unfamiliar ground for men
Nurul Izzah added that a key bottleneck in expediting initiatives is the failure to “frontline” women’s issues across all ministries.
“It is still a numbers game when we talk about legislation, which itself is a limitation to push any intended law,” said Ariff.
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“Our problem (with women’s issues) is not just in Malaysia, but a global one. We are multicultural, multiracial and diverse. This being our strength in so many areas is also our obstacle in addressing certain issues.
“Each community has different challenges to take on before coming to an agreement about gender equality. To get everybody on the same page has always been very rare.
“All these global feminist movements are still very new and, in defence of men, we are on unfamiliar ground, where learning is still ongoing.
“For example, there are certain questions and conversational cues to be aware of.”
He said around 85% of women still prefer male bosses over their female counterparts.
“I think we should stop putting women in a box, telling them what they should and should not do,” said Quah.
“We should be open to giving opportunities and champion them through their endeavours by having a supportive network.” – The Vibes, March 6, 2021
