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Women’s Issues in Penang. Some suggestions for overall advancement, development and empowerment of women. Principles of Equality and Non Discrimination. Federal Constitution Article 8(1) and 8(2) National Policy on Women (1989) 9 th Malaysia Plan (2006-2010)
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Women’s Issues in Penang Some suggestions for overall advancement, development and empowerment of women WCC APRIL 2008
Principles of Equality and Non Discrimination • Federal Constitution Article 8(1) and 8(2) • National Policy on Women (1989) • 9th Malaysia Plan (2006-2010) • NAM Putrajaya declaration (2005) • UN CEDAW (1995) WCC APRIL 2008
Role of the State Govt • Must respond to the needs of women • Directly or through the local authorities • State legislature can make laws wrt matters in concurrent list - Article 74(2) of Federal Constitution WCC APRIL 2008
Advancement, development and empowerment of women 3 areas • Economy • Politics & Decision Making • Society WCC APRIL 2008
1. Economy Objective 1: To ensure the full and equitable participation of women in the economy Action: • Provide accessible and affordable facilities for child care and care for the elderly & disabled • Provide micro-financing to vulnerable groups WCC APRIL 2008
1. Economy cont’d Objective 2: To promote the rights of women in the workplace Action: • Promote pay equity, min wage flexibility of hours, SH Code of Practice • Training to upgrade skills & empower women • Committee to oversee and ensure the welfare & rights of women migrant workers including domestic workers WCC APRIL 2008
2. Politics and Decision Making Objective 1: Increase women’s participation in Penang State and local government, especially in decision making levels within 5 years) WCC APRIL 2008
Women in Decision Making LevelsMinistry of Women Family and Community Development 2007 WCC APRIL 2008
Action • Implement quota 30% (9th Msia Plan)- State executive council, local authorities council, nominations in political parties • Appt more women reps at all levels of govt • Encourage participation of women through education, leadership & capacity building training • Research –structural & attitudinal barriers to women’s participation WCC APRIL 2008
3. Society Objective 1: Eliminate Violence Against Women PDRM Stats 2007 WCC APRIL 2008
Action: • Community education/gender sensitization • Training for service providers • Resources for infrastructure (shelters) WCC APRIL 2008
3. Society (contd) Objective 2: To eradicate discrimination against women Action: • Review all state laws, policies and practices to ensure that women’s rights & interests are protected. • Provide gender sensitization prog. on regular basis at all levels of society. WCC APRIL 2008
3. Society cont’d Objective 3: To provide housing for vulnerable groups Action: Quality, community orientated low cost housing for vulnerable groups including single mothers, disabled and the poor. WCC APRIL 2008
3. Society contd Objective 4: Provide affordable and accessible healthcare services to women Action: • Provide resources to create/upgrade facilities for physical and mental health • Supplement existing programmes where necessary WCC APRIL 2008
3. Society contd Objective 5: Engage women in building support structures in the community which transcend ethnicity, culture and religion Action: • Provide resources for setting up community groups to provide opportunities for dialogue, relationship building & movement for change WCC APRIL 2008
Summary • Economy – women participation & rights • Politics & Decision making – 30% quota • Society – VAW, discrimination against women, health, housing, community building WCC APRIL 2008