Empowerment has come a long way, but more work lies ahead
Women have made considerable progress in their quest for equality, says Judith Mackay. But nowhere in the world have they achieved equality in terms of respect, opportunity and status.
'There is a long, hard slog of legislation, empowerment and education, in both the government and private sector [that remains to be done],' says Dr Mackay, adding that this could take decades. She wants all legislation with gender implications to be reviewed. 'Housewives cannot take out the MPF on their own and husbands are not obliged to take out MPFs for their wives,' she says.
Dr Mackay also says indigenous law still provides that women cannot share villages' communal property and only men can build houses.
Veteran campaigner for women's rights Chan Yu says real progress is only possible if women are engaged in politics so the policy-making process is infused with a woman's viewpoint from the start.
'There is a lack of systematic and visionary planning in the nomination and appointment of women to advisory and statutory bodies - a very important way to nurture women's participation in politics and public policies,' Ms Chan says. She adds that women in positions of power can help get recognition for the issues they face.