KUCHING, August 21: Sarawak Women for Women Society (SWWS) will be launching ‘Women for Progress’, a series of forums later this month.
The first topic in the series is ‘Gender Equality: Making it Happen’. It will be held on Aug 25 at the new meeting place 11 Ridgeway, off Jalan Ong Tiang Swee.
SWWS president Margaret Bedus, in a press statement, said for women to reach their potential, free of discrimination and abuse awareness alone were not enough: there needs to be action, too.
“The forums will, therefore, not only discuss contemporary issues but also highlight changes needed in legislation, policy and services. At each session, there will be a panel of speakers and a chance for the women attending to raise their concerns and ideas,” she said.
Speakers for this Saturday’s forum include Stella Tan from Women’s Aid Organisation and Rozana Isa from Sisters in Islam, both of whom were present in Geneva when the United Nations reviewed Malaysia’s progress in meeting its obligations as a signatory to the Convention on Elimination of Discrimination of Abuse (CEDAW).
They will share why Malaysia still has a long way to go to achieve compliance with CEDAW and why the Gender Equality Act is needed. The UN Sustainable Development Goal 5, calling for gender equality, will also be explained by Alexandra John from SWWS.
Future topics include #MeToo Sarawak, Fighting Sexual Harassment, Caring for the Carers: What needs to Change? and Mixed Marriages and Women’s Rights.
Those interested to attend any of the forums in the series may contact SWWS at sarswws@gmail.com or call 082-416053 or 0138044285. All participants are encouraged to arrive early for the free admission. Light refreshments will be served. – Dayak Daily
