THERE needs to be concerted effort to address gender inequality, which is still pervasive here even 27 years after Malaysia accepted the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (Cedaw), says Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Azhar Azizan Harun.

       In his opening address at the inaugural forum held in Parliament to celebrate women, Azhar said the International Women’s Day, which is observed on March 8 every year around the world, recognises and appreciates the contribution of women, who play significant roles in the development of the country.

       “The gender gap in the country is still widening, especially in economics and politics.

       “This is clear when Malaysia’s position in the Global Gender Gap Index released by the World Economic Forum declined from the 73rd placing in 2019 to 112th in 2021.

       “In fact, Malaysia is in one of the last positions among 20 East Asia and Pacific countries, whereby Malaysia is at number 16, with the Philippines, Cambodia, and Thailand all ahead of us.

       “Thus, constraints that inhibit the achievement of gender equality must be addressed thoroughly and consistently,” said Azhar, who called upon the responsible parties to collaborate more holistically with non-governmental organisations, as well as the intelligentsia, to improve existing mechanisms so that gender equality could be achieved.

       The forum in Parliament building, entitled “Saksama Bersama”, was moderated by Senator Datuk Ras Adiba Radzi, with panellists consisting of Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Parliament and Law) Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin (PN-Masjid Tanah), P. Kasthuriraani (PH-Batu Kawan) and Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia law and Syariah faculty dean Prof Dr Nik Salida Suhaila Nik Saleh.

       Elsewhere, lawmakers also extended their greetings to mark the day, with Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu, wishing women well, especially all female athletes, coaches, and sports officers.

       “Women are able to turn adversity into strength. Women are a symbol of true strength,” he said during the oral question-and-answer session in Dewan Rakyat yesterday.

       Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail (PH-Pandan) urged for stereotypes of women to be dismantled.

       Also extending such wishes were Deputy National Unity Minister, Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal (Senator), Deputy Health Minister Datuk Dr Noor Azmi Ghazali (PN-Bagan Serai) and Datuk Seri Azizah Mohd Dun (PN-Beaufort).