HISTORICALLY, women have a played a critical role in the struggle for independence and nation-building. Yet, these women were written out of our history until they started reclaiming these things and putting back on record. And just as these women were written out of our history, many women continue to be written out of their independence. 

On this August 31, many have yet to enjoy “independence” as it was envisioned for the rakyat, with our independence and autonomy often attacked merely because of our gender. 

It is undeniable that women make up the majority of the student population; that women make up a significant percentage of staff in offices, private or public; and, that women appear to have significant purchasing power if we observe our shopping malls over lunch breaks and holidays. 

However, these observable realities are often only at a superficial level. 

The Joint Action Group for Gender Equality (JAG) knows that there are many whose lived realities do not reflect the independence, self-determination and bodily autonomy women seek. 

Whether we wish to acknowledge it or not, patriarchy – the valuing of cisgender men over all others – is alive and well. Too little effort is being made to address how pervasive and insidious patriarchy is in the current administration and in our society. It is also disconcerting that many women who have survived in a patriarchal system reproduce and maintain such power hierarchies and discriminatory practices.

How many of us remember that when a couple gets pregnant, it is the mother who is automatically expected to stay at home to care for the infant? And as the years go by, it is the mother who falls into the role of taking emergency days off work should the child fall ill. She also sacrifices company trips, gatherings and promotions as she is expected to prioritise the family.

How many of us remember that not all workplaces are mother- and child-friendly? In fact, the majority of workplaces do not have comfortable or even decent facilities for nursing mothers.

How many of us remember that even though women are adequately qualified, they are passed over for jobs and promotions simply on the basis of their gender?

How many of us remember that there are struggling single mothers out there who have to choose between holding down a full-time job and attending to the needs of their young schoolgoing children? And all those women who are forced to take on two or even more odd jobs just to make ends meet?

How many of us remember that even when women earn their own income and take on all responsibilities for their livelihood, they are unable to make decisions over their own bodies and well-being.

How many of us remember that there are still schoolgirls who are dangerously pushed into marriage at such a young age just to save face for the rest of the family?

How many of us remember how women’s testimonies are seen as less credible and undervalued only because of their age, religion, race or gender expression and identity?

How many of us remember the fact that where caring for elderly parents and relatives are concerned, it is more often than not the daughters of the family who sacrifice their job promotions and careers?

How many of us remember that there are those among us who live in fear of abuse and threats of death, just because they do not conform to society’s prescription of what “normal” is?

How many of us remember that, despite all of this, women are still subjected to sexual harassment and lewd mentalities of self-acclaimed moral police on a daily basis and there is almost no space for women to be free from such harassment? 

You can be a child, a student, an employee, an artiste, a self-made/established businesswoman or even a policitician, and you will still be judged by the sheerness of your clothes and the length of your skirt. Reports of violence against women in Malaysia continue to rise year after year. 

The true sign of a gender equal society is one that does everything it can to empower those among us who need not only equal access to opportunities and resources, but equal control over these and most of of all, equal access to justice when governance systems fail. A long-drawn ask for equal access to justice is to ensure that all laws are non-discriminatory and that legal representation is assured in all legal systems. If we are yet to fulfil this “ask” and if we still have corporal punishment being meted out because of discrimination, how do we best move forward? 

JAG remains keen to work with the Pakatan Harapan government to address these pressing issues that affect Malaysians from all walks of life. Please engage with us directly to fully appreciate on the ground lived realities of women and girls and, for a start, to truly celebrate Merdeka this year, we ask that the Pakatan Harapan government place an immediate moratorium on corporal punishment. Let us celebrate this year’s Merdeka by reclaiming our humanity. – August 30, 2018. 

* The Joint Action Group for Gender Equality (JAG) comprises the All Women’s Action Society, Foreign Spouses Support Group, Justice for Sisters, Perak Women for Women, Persatuan Kesedaran Komuniti Selangor, Persatuan Sahabat Wanita Selangor, Sisters in Islam, Sabah Women’s Action Resource Group, Tenaganita and the Women’s Aid Organisation. 

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.