Gender reform can only happen with more women legislators: Seri Delima MP

KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia needs more women representatives in legislature and at decision-making levels in order to truly achieve gender reform, said Seri Delima assemblywoman Syerleena Abdul Rashid.

The MP – who is with Penang DAP – said the best way forward to create change is to make sure that both women and men start talking about the discourse, over and over again.

“The point is when we try to push forward for gender reform, we need to make sure we have enough people to create a movement.

During the Covid-19 pandemic which has lasted for over a year, we have seen many things including incest and rape.

“What makes a lot of people unhappy now is because it’s frustrating that nothing substantial is being done at the federal (government) level,” she said yesterday at the virtual launch of a report and round-table discussion on Women’s Freedom of Expression in Countering Sexual and Gender-based Violence.

The report revealed that women, including transwomen, are not the only ones suffering from such violence.

Present at the online event were Kluang MP Wong Shu Qi, Subang Jaya assemblywoman Michelle Ng, and Kapayan state rep Jannie Lasimbang.

Syerleena also addressed two factors – culture and religion – which are said to be barriers that may hinder gender reform progress.

“We want to talk about freedom of expression and freedom of will – but with religion and culture, these are two barriers that may hinder gender reform progress because of stereotypes, patriarchy, and a system that has existed for decades.

“The way it has intertwined in our society is such that fear exists; you cannot say certain things, or you cannot ask certain questions because of how it may be perceived,” she said.

While recollecting on her experience when she called for law reforms to put an end to child marriage in the country back in 2018, Syerleena said her male colleagues in the state assembly had some “interesting insights”.

People have a tendency to look at us (women) and think that our thoughts are ‘cute’ – but those thoughts are not valid.

“This is where when we encounter people like that – people who feel that your views are not important and not to be taken seriously – just continue and say it. Be loud and be proud. Just make sure that people hear you. Don’t let the haters or naysayers tell you not to speak out,” she said. – The Vibes, July 18, 2021