A recent breakfast roundtable hosted by RYTHM Foundation earnestly delved into critical discussions surrounding gender equality and the empowerment of vulnerable women and girls.
‘From Coffee to Change: A Breakfast Talk’ involved several influential advocates dedicated to advancing women’s rights in Malaysia.
The discussion was pivotal to the Foundation’s mission this year – to ‘Rise with RYTHM’ – our year-long campaign to bridge divides and ignite movements for positive transformation. It serves as a celebration of the potent collective influence wielded by unified voices and actions.
The participants included ex-Member of Parliament Maria Chin, Shobha Aiyar of Women for Equality Association, Yasmin Yusuf of Rotary Action Group, Eena Khalil Lim of social enterprise programme The Good Shop Malaysia, and Rozana Isa of Sisters in Islam.
The Chairperson of RYTHM Foundation, Datin Sri Umayal Eswaran, facilitated the discourse.
“In addressing the gender equality gaps in Malaysia, how can we ensure our concerns are heard and effective measures are implemented?” Datin Sri Umayal said.
“Despite having policies in place, the representation (of women) lacks the necessary volume.”
Urgent Calls for Equality Action
The exchange highlighted systemic discrimination, stressing challenges faced by marginalised women due to biases of gender, race, and class. The participants urged collective action to dismantle barriers and promote inclusivity.
“It’s imperative to underline that gender equality is intricately linked to poverty, health, education, and economic progress issues,” Maria said. “Without changes to policies and laws, this segment will continue to face significant challenges.”
Education was also emphasised as a focal point. They advocated for equal access to quality education to empower girls and disrupt the cycle of poverty.
“Instilling this perspective in children early fosters empathy, tolerance, and respect from the earliest stages of development,” Eena Khalil emphasised.
Despite progress, violence persists for many marginalised women. Urgent action is needed to prevent and intervene in domestic abuse and sexual assault, ensuring the safety of all women.
“Amplify messages such as ‘Say no to violence!’ and ‘Stop the abuse!’ explicitly targeting the male population,” Women for Equality’s Shobha stressed. “A culture of respect and non-violence can be fostered by engaging boys and men and promoting accountability.”
“Given this issue’s shared focus, exploring opportunities for collaboration with Maharani may be beneficial,” Rozana said. RYTHM’s flagship Maharani programme is geared toward enhancing the confidence of adolescent girls and fostering the exploration of their potential.
The participants reiterated their dedication to advancing gender equality, urging collective action to dismantle barriers and create a fairer world for women and girls.
“Creating a consortium of women’s organisations can streamline efforts, showcase accomplishments, and pool resources to address urgent needs efficiently,” Rotary Action Group’s Yasmin suggested.
They also explored diverse pathways toward tangible and impactful change for the immediate future.
“This task force can help us achieve our goals more effectively and expediently by pooling expertise and resources,” she added.
This dialogue heralds the beginning of a series of impactful discussions this year. Fuelled by ‘Rise with RYTHM,’ we seek collaboration with kindred spirits who champion our vision for a brighter future for our most marginalised communities. Together, we will magnify voices, instigate change, and forge a society that embraces inclusivity at its core.