IN conjunction with International Women’s Day tomorrow, 33 women parliamentarians across the political divide have urged their male counterparts to be more gender sensitive in an effort to make Malaysia’s parliament a world class institution.

In a statement today, the 33 women MPs said a gender-sensitive parliament would be able to meet the needs and interests of every man and woman in terms of its composition, structure, operation, methods and work patterns.

“It can open up space for the full participation of women and offer a positive example or model by promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment to society at the national and international levels.

“Therefore, we would like to invite our colleagues, other members of Parliament to participate, in conjunction with International Women’s Day this year, to elevate the dignity of the Malaysian Parliament towards becoming a gender sensitive Parliament,” they said.

This year’s International Women’s Day theme is “Choose to Challenge”.

They added that gender equality was prerequisite to a genuine democratic system.

“It is important to every man and woman. As an institution that is sensitive to gender issues and celebrates balanced participation between men and women, parliament has more potential to achieve gender equality in society as well as fulfil its democratic mandate,” they said. – March 7, 2021.

MORE TO COME