Gender mainstreaming framework in the pipeline

Deputy Prime Minister Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said the ministry that she is also handling is finalising a "gender mainstreaming framework".

The framework will be recommended for adoption by all ministries and government agencies, she said.

"The gender action plan will recommend how gender perspectives and gender targets are to be integrated into all planning and budgeting and the key role of sex-disaggregated data will also be emphasised," said Wan Azizah, who is also Women, Family and Community Development Minister

She was speaking at the launching of the World Bank report titled 'Breaking Barriers: Toward Better Opportunities for Women in Malaysia' in Putrajaya today.

Such policies are very important as they affect not only women, but the entire families, she said.

"All ministries must take note, together with our ministry and the United Nations Development Programme, to implement and evaluate the national action plan," Wan Azizah said to reporters later.

This "gender mainstreaming framework" should not be limited to just the Women's Ministry, she said, as every ministry has to take into account what affects its women employees.

In line with the ministry's efforts to reduce gender disparity, she said they are working to draft two pieces of legislation aimed at increasing protection for women.

"First, a bill to prohibit all forms of discrimination against women and second, a bill to address the issue of sexual harassment within and outside the workplace," Wan Azizah added.

Legislate a 'workplace discrimination law'

‘Premature' to say anti-discrimination provision will be removed - HR ministry

Suhakam, NGOs dismayed by plan to drop anti-discrimination provision

'Gatal list' shows work-related sex harassment not just at office