Gender Equality Workshop

Today, I had the opportunity to attend The Gender Equality Workshop in Tanjung Bungah Beach Hotel. Congratulations to the Penang State Government Committee For Development of Women, Family & Community. Well, as a Penangnite and a member of WCC (Women Centre For Change) I felt like I belong to the family though I came the farthest to join them, that is from Perak.

Lucky indeed to be among the 100 active participants who are a good mixture of people. I got to chat for a while with Y.B. Chong Eng who had contributed a lot to the improvement of the welfare of women and the unfortunate in my home state, Penang.

The presenter and trainer from AWAM,Mdm Ho Yoke Lin deserves all the credit. She is so bubbly and vibrant and following her was easy. If the workshop had been extended for another 2 hours, we could enjoy more activities.Perhaps, there'll be another one in the near future and we can join it again.

I have always been unsatisfied with this gender issue. Everywhere we go, the men are monopolizing, whether it is in the government departments, politics, universities, P.T.As and communities in our societies.

For ages we've been stereotyped in our thinking that certain characters are related to men such as being strong, chauvinistic and egoistic. Women on the other hand are usually regarded as weak, loving and hardworking. Actually, it's only perceptions and the characters and roles of both sexes are subjected to change.

Realising that culture, norms, traditions, religion etc do influence gender equality, it's high time for us to change though it is not an easy job. As parents educating children begins at home with the way we treat our sons and daughters equally when sharing out household chores. Girls should not be treated as weaklings and it is not fine if boys are rough with them. Respecting and understanding one another as equals should be practised. Parents themselves are supposed to be good role models to their children when it comes to practising gender equality .

Teachers do have a tough job to teach our students about gender equality. Sometimes, we treat the boys and girls differently, their sitting positions, games and tasks given. Teachers do sometimes treat them differently and some even make sexist remarks. Well , if we are going to produce a new generation which practises gender equality and no discrimination, it has to begin in schools too.

As agents of change we have to take bold actions ourselves, then only can we influence others to change for the better.

In case, there's anyone interested to read more about AWAM's noble work, get help for someone or oneself, or organise a workshop just contact :
Persatuan Pergerakan Wanita, AWAM
No.85, Jln 21/1,
Sea Park,
46300 Petaling Jaya,
Selangor
Telenita - 03-78770224 ( for women in crisis )
Office phone: 03-78774221
Fax: 03-78743312
Email: awam@awam.org.my
Website: http://www.awam.org.my/