PETALING JAYA, May 22—The Women and Family Development ministry must focus on human rights and gender equality, instead of merely reinforcing stereotypical associations of women with family, children, and welfare, says Joint Action Group for Gender Equality (JAG).
In a statement today, the coalition called upon the new Pakatan Harapan government to launch institutional reforms aimed at advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment.
These reforms, said the coalition, should include strengthening the ministry’s authority to make decisions on women’s advancement.
“Pakatan Harapan must also strengthen and empower government machinery and organisations responding to gender equality issues,” it said.
“This includes providing adequate resources to the Welfare department, One-Stop Crisis Centres, and the Royal Malaysian Police Sexual Crimes Unit.” Read more