Women for Progress is the title of a new series of forums being launched this month by Sarawak Women for Women Society. SWWS’s President Margaret Bedus, when announcing the series, said that for women to reach their potential free of discrimination and abuse awareness alone was not enough – there also needs to be action.

The forums will therefore not only discuss contemporary issues but also highlight changes needed in legislation, policy and services. At each session there will be a panel of speakers and a chance for the women attending to raise their concerns and ideas.

Gender Equality: Making it Happen is the first topic in the series launched this coming Saturday. Speakers include Stella Tan from Women’s Aid Organisation and Rozana Isa from Sisters in Islam both of whom were present in Geneva when the UN reviewed Malaysia’s progress in meeting its obligations as a signatory to the Convention on Elimination of Discrimination of Abuse (CEDAW).

They will share why Malaysia still has a long way to go to achieve compliance with CEDAW and why a Gender Equality Act is needed. The UN Sustainable Development Goal 5, calling for Gender Equality will also be explained by Alexandra John from SWWS.

Future topics include # Me Too Sarawak, Fighting Sexual Harassment , Caring for the Carers: What needs to Change? and Mixed Marriages and Women’s Rights.

People interested to attend any in the series should contact SWWS on info@sarswws.org or phone:  013-8044 285. The first forum on Gender Equality: Making it Happen will be held on Saturday August 25th, 2018 at the new meeting place 11 Ridgeway (located between Simpang Tiga and Rock Road). Please arrive early to be sure of a seat. Light refreshments will be served at the end.