Policy-makers must continue giving attention to gender equality issues, the Meeting of Asean Women Parliamentarians (Waipa), held in conjunction with the Asean Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (Aipa), was told.

Newly-elected Waipa president Doris Sophia Brodie said there were still many who did not understand the issue of gender equality, which was often related to being equally rich or of equal status.

Doris said gender equality was more about mutual respect, with acceptance and understanding between men and women.

"I am stressing that there should be equality in order for us to have total understanding in all our work," she told reporters after the Waipa meeting in Kuala Lumpur last night.

Doris ( photo ), who is also the deputy president of the Dewan Negara, said the continued commitment from Aipa members who also drew up the law was vital to ensure gender equality was implemented in the Asean member countries.

"That is why in our discussions we emphasised that Aipa member parliamentarians must play a role in ensuring gender equality," she said.

She added that at the meeting, which was attended by 28 delegates from nine countries, Waipa passed three resolutions to be brought for discussion at the Executive Committee Meeting.

Doris said the three resolutions were 'Recognition of Post-2015 Development Agenda on Gender Equality', 'Promoting a Culture of Respect and the Rights of Women and Children Towards Inclusiveness', and 'Enhancing the Legal Framework on Elimination of Violence Against Women'.

Meanwhile, the head of the Indonesian delegation, Wiryanti Sukamdani, said women should be given equal opportunity to be actively involved in politics, especially in Asean nations.

"As such, we want Asean nations to give women the platform and opportunity in politics," she said.

"It is not easy for women to be in politics. In Indonesia, 25 percent of Indonesian members of parliament are women," Wiryanti said.

The Waipa meeting is held in conjunction with the 36th Aipa General Assembly from yesterday until Sept 12.

No delegate from Singapore is present as the country is facing a general election.

- Bernama