KOTA KINABALU – Women’s rights groups are up in arms following news of alleged sexual harassment against an Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan (UNK) cultural pageant contestant.
Borneo Speaks, a community-centred, women-led platform based here, told The Vibes that the allegations have led to the question of who determines the selection of the pageant’s organising committee, since the UNK technical chief is purportedly implicated.
“We wonder what political pressures are behind the scenes. Who is funding the committee, and how do they select the organising committee?
“The institution itself is worth questioning because this is not the first time that we have heard of such claims involving UNK participants.”
The group proposed for the pageant’s organising members to include individuals of various demographics to make for a more dynamic line-up.
Having younger people in the committee who are closer to the age of the participants could be valuable in creating an event that reflects the aspirations of these young ethnic women as they reconcile modernity with cultural preservation and appreciation, hence, making the event more relevant as the years go by.
“We also think there should be a consent workshop for all participants, and it should start with next year’s UNK.
“From our understanding, this is not an isolated incident. There have been many sexual assault cases involving UNK contestants talked about, even though they were not officially reported.
“Imagine all the women who have suffered in silence.”
The group proposed for the UNK committee to appoint a legal adviser, to protect its members and pageant participants.
“It is important to have someone who can empower them on their rights. What more, when UNK has become of public interest.”
The Society for Equality, Respect and Trust for All (Serata) said the UNK organising committee should be accountable for participants’ safety.
“This incident could have been prevented by implementing proper mechanisms, such as rules and regulations, taking a stance against acts that take advantage of participants, whistle-blower and witness reporting, investigative approaches, and guidelines on how action will be taken against perpetrators, regardless of their background.
“After establishing such grounds, a briefing is a must for staff, security guards, participants and any other parties involved in the event.
“Such action should be done in tandem with empowering women and girls to understand what sexual harassment is, and educating boys and men on what is outside the acceptable boundaries of physical and verbal means, and how boys and men can play an active role as an ally – the onus should not be on women and girls only,” said the group in a statement today through founder and president Sabrina Melisa Aripen.
Serata said the move is critical not only to safeguard the reputation of a symbolic cultural experience, but it is also equally fundamental to substantiate the right ideas about the spirit of UNK’s origins.
It called for the expedited approval of the sexual harassment bill, even if only at the state level.
It has been kept on standby for far too long, and this incident, together with recent news on girls being sexually harassed at school, is proof that we are in dire need of protections for our women and girls through the rule of law.
“Until then, this issue will never be resolved, and Sabah will remain one of the top five states with the highest number of sexual assault cases.”
Mandy Nandu, the 2005 UNK winner, questioned the technical chief’s appointment.
She applauded the victim for her courage in reporting the incident, and hopes there will be more organisations standing behind the latter.
“It is important to ensure the safety, dignity and well-being of all contestants in this culturally important event, and this must be guaranteed by the organising committee to prevent such incidents in the future.”
She urged those with a similar experience to speak out.
“It is not easy to speak up. Girls, this kind of incident should not be tolerated, and should be brought to justice. Keep your chin up. Stand for your right,” she said in a Facebook post yesterday.
Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) Women’s head Zainon Kayum expressed hope that stern action is taken against the offender in the latest case.
“PBRS is a party that respects the law. We believe that whoever it is, no matter his position, he must not escape legal action if he has broken the law,” she said in a statement today.
“We hope women will continue to be brave in voicing out on the harassment done unto them.”
Unduk Ngadau Sabah Association chairman Ellyanti P. Nelson in a statement said it will support the victim’s efforts to secure justice.
“We are also very proud of the contestant for choosing to voice out on the incident. Surely it was not easy, and it put her in a difficult position.
“But the association believes that all UNK women should join hands and support one another when it comes to voicing out on any type of harassment and crime done against women.” – The Vibes, June 3, 2021
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