International Women’s Day is an international observance which highlights the rights and contributions of women around the world is the beacon of hope for women to strive for better lives, treatment and protection.

Despite Malaysia officially recognising women’s rights, more needs to be done to ensure their rights are not violated. It is the right time to review the Law Reform Marriage Act and the Islamic Family Law in order to enhance the protection of women and children.

Certain laws in Malaysia are still considered to be discriminative to women such as the Article 9(4) and Article 10 in the Islamic Family Law (Federal Territories) Act 1984 that is in contrast of Article 16(b), (d) and (e) of the Convention on Elimination of Discrimination against Women (Cedaw). The right of women to enter into marriage of their own choice and consent, without objection from their parents or relatives, irrespective of race or religion must be safeguarded.

Malaysia, which accessioned Cedaw in 1995, is obliged to ensure the rights of women are respected. Article 15(1) of the federal constitution needs to be relooked as well for it can be considered that a Malaysian female who marries a non-Malaysian may not automatically extend her nationality to her children.

This is in contrary of Article 8(2) of the federal constitution which clearly prohibits discrimination based on ground of gender; hence, there is a need to read the Article on nationality together with Article 8(2) in order to extend the principles of gender equality in the administration of issues related to nationality and citizenship.

The government is urged to pass an Act in the Parliament to make Cedaw wholly applicable to Malaysians to strengthen our image as a nation that does not tolerate any forms of discrimination. After all, it is also impossible to ignore the voices of half the world starting with your mother!

JAYANTHI DEVI BALAGURU is vice-chairperson of Gerakan Wanita and a member of the party’s central law and human rights bureau.