Let women contribute to nation building, PKR says
KUCHING: Parti Keadilan Rakyat ( PKR) is calling on the state government to be more gender sensitive, not only to women but to support a government which believes in equality.
In making this call, PKR women national vice-president Voon Shiak Ni said it has been long enough that women are confined to the place that is culturally destined for them — the kitchen.
“It has been for centuries until recently, that women are not given opportunities to unleash their potential to participate in the greater cause of nation building,” she said in a press statement in conjunction with International Women’s Day 2017 themed #BeBoldForChange yesterday.
Based on her observation on the composition of the state cabinet and local councils in Sarawak, Voon said there was still lack of gender sensitivity in representation across the board.
“I wish to call on the Sarawak Government to be more gender sensitive by opening more doors and windows for women especially in leadership. And this call is not only to lift the socio status of women, it is also to highlight a government which believes in equality.
“After all, there is no doubt that a country which is gender sensitive is a forward-moving nation.”
Voon said PKR has been empowering women in Malaysia and to date, the party has 15 women out of 56 assemblypersons in Selangor, adding that the Pakatan Harapan government will continue to work for 30 per cent women representation in the Selangor State Assembly.
“Selangor has taken the move to appoint a woman as a speaker and senator, apart from appointing many women councillors in local councils.”
Voon, who is PKR Stampin branch vice- chairperson, said she supported the statement by PKR national women chief Zuraida Kamaruddin that female leadership has brought great changes to our country so women are able to keep on contributing ideas and make decisions that safeguard the country’s future and our families and children.
“She also said women can stop belittling other women who do not conform to society’s standard of a perfect mother, wife, daughter or sister. And I wish to add that for greater and more holistic change in the world, we need the joint efforts and contribution of both men and women.”
Voon took the opportunity to send her regards to all women, wishing them success and “May they be blessed with the strength and force to continue to contribute positively to society”.
She hoped women in the state will be bold enough to support change and be part of the greater cause of nation building.