Malaysia is one of Asia's biggest employers of foreign labour. But recently, cases of deaths, abuse and forced labour have come to light. What is going on? Who is protecting these migrant workers?
SINCE
1975, the United Nations (UN) has celebrated International Women’s Day on
March 8. This year, its theme is <I>Ending Impunity for Violence against Women
and Girls</I>.
<P>The UN cites two reasons for dedicating a day to women:
to recognise the fact that securing peace and social progress and the full enjoyment
of human rights and fundamental freedoms require the active participation, equality
and development of women; and to acknowledge the contribution of women to the
strengthening of international peace and security. </P><P>In Malaysia, various
women’s non-governmental organisations will be holding a number of events
to mark the occasion. </P><P>·The Malaysian Trade Union Congress’
Women’s Committee stresses the need to empower and strengthen the trade union
movement through the workforce, especially women, so that their voices may be
heard. Their theme is <I>Strong Women, Strong Union</I>. </P><P>There will be
a one-day seminar on Maternity Protection at Wisma MTUC, Subang Jaya, Selangor,
this Thursday at 9am. </P><P>·The Women’s Aid Organisation, in collaboration
with NCWO (National Council of Women’s Organisations)will be handing over the
CEDAW (Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women)
Memorandum on the Concluding Comments to Women, Family and Community Development
Minister Datuk Shahrizat Abdul Jalil, at Kuala Lumpur’s Crown Plaza Hotel
this Thursday at 10.30am. </P><P>·The Women’s Development Research
Centre of Universiti Sains Malaysia (Kanita) will be organising a talk on <I>The
Proposed Gender Discrimination Act: Contents and Contentions</I> at the Kanita
Building CO2, USM, Penang, at 11am on Thursday. </P><P>In Malaysia, although Article
8 of the Federal Constitution has been amended to prohibit discrimination on the
basis of gender in line with Cedaw, effective results are not evident yet. </P><P>The
talk will present an overview of the proposed Gender Discrimination Act and the
various issues involved as well as provide a platform for discussion. </P><P>·The
Women’s Centre for Change, Penang, together with the Penang Adventist Hospital
will be organising a one-hour <I>Walk Against Violence</I> community march along
the sea front at Queensbay Mall in Penang on March 25 at 9am. </P><P>Community
groups, individuals and families are invited to participate and carry colourful
messages calling for an end to all forms of violence. Musicians will accompany
the crowd and provide the rhythm, creating a carnival-like atmosphere. </P><P>As
part of the day’s programme, there will be dances, games, exhibitions, health
screening and talks, as well as prizes. For details, call 04-228 0342 or e-mail
<A HREF="mailto:wcc@wccpenang.org">wcc@wccpenang.org</A></P><P>·Sisters
In Islam (SIS) will be launching the helpline <I>Telenisa</I> next month. –
<B>By PATSY KAM</B></P><P><I>Source: http://thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=/2007/3/6/lifefocus/17023298&sec=lifefocus</I>
Address: Wisma MTUC,10-5, Jalan USJ 9/5T, 47620 Subang Jaya,Selangor | Tel: 03-80242953 | Fax: 03-80243225 | Email: sgmtuc@gmail.com.com