Rebranding equality: Malaysia’s progress on women’s rights advocacy
Even though equality has been described as a simple concept, its meanings and principles have not been properly understood by the public. Similar treatment might not have a value of neutrality because, once the right to equality is related to and enforced by laws, its objectivity and impartial...
Saved in:
| Main Authors: | , , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Penerbit Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
2020
|
| Online Access: | http://journalarticle.ukm.my/16355/1/IJIT-Vol-18-Dec-2020_9_85-94.pdf http://journalarticle.ukm.my/16355/ http://www.ukm.my/ijit/volume-18-dec-2020/ |
| Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|
| Summary: | Even though equality has been described as a simple concept, its meanings and
principles have not been properly understood by the public. Similar treatment might
not have a value of neutrality because, once the right to equality is related to and
enforced by laws, its objectivity and impartiality can be challenged. The Malaysian
government is making progress towards a safer and more equal environment for
women and girls following the proposed new or amended legislation. These includes
the anti-stalking law, the Sexual Harassment Act, and ending child marriage.
Furthermore, the establishment of a Select Committee on Rights and Gender
Equality in Parliament have been considered as a good step forward for equality.
Indeed, implementation of policies such as childcare facilities in government offices
as well as encouraging the private sector to follow suit are good moves towards
creating more opportunities and encouraging the participation of women in the
workforce. This paper explores the conceptual understanding of ‘equality’ globally
and from the perspective of Islamic jurisprudence. This reflection is in line with
Islamic belief that needs to reform the understanding of society based on the
suggestion of Al-Quran and Islamic scholars. With this interpretation, this paper will
explore Malaysia’s progress in empowering women and gender equality. Finally, this
paper will suggest a way forward for Malaysia to empower women that have been
marginalized and subordinated. |
|---|