Sex segregation in T’ganu impairs gender equality, inclusiveness - Penang exco
Penang exco Chong Eng has urged the Terengganu government to reconsider its move to impose gender segregation at entertainment facilities, calling the policy a “stumbling block” to gender inclusiveness.
In a statement today, the DAP Women's chief contended that such segregation did little to protect against gender-based violence as it reinforced unhealthy stereotypes about men and women.
“According to a study by...
Penang exco Chong Eng has urged the Terengganu government to reconsider its move to impose gender segregation at entertainment facilities, calling the policy a “stumbling block” to gender inclusiveness.
In a statement today, the DAP Women's chief contended that such segregation did little to protect against gender-based violence as it reinforced unhealthy stereotypes about men and women.
“According to a study by the University of California, segregating men and women as a protective measure in any public space reinforces the gender-stereotypes contributing to the societal causes of sexual violence.
“The European network of legal experts in the field of gender equality pointed out at a fundamental level, segregation will perpetuate gender-based violence that promotes a victim-blaming culture and frames all men as threats to women,” Chong (photo, above) said.
Gender-based violence refers to violence perpetrated against a person because of their gender. It also refers to violence that affects a particular gender disproportionately.
Such violence can include domestic violence, sexual assault, and female genital mutilation. It can be physical, sexual, psychological, and emotional in nature.
Rather than gender segregation, Chong proposed that Terengganu adopt approaches like Penang’s gender inclusiveness policy instead.
“Sex segregation policies are stumbling blocks that will obstruct our nation's way of achieving gender equality and inclusiveness.
“I strongly call for the development of gender-sensitive approaches to address gender-based violence instead of protective measures which reinforces gender stereotypes in society,” she said.
Launched last year, among the aims of Penang’s gender inclusiveness policy was to have 40 percent women representation in decision-making roles in local governments, state agencies, and state departments.
This was to avoid allowing one gender to dominate decision-making processes.
The Terengganu government’s gender segregation policy made headlines recently when a cinema in the PAS-led state announced separate zones for women and men in its film halls beginning July.
DAP secretary-general Nga Kor Ming previously urged the Tourism, Arts, and Culture Ministry to seek a reversal of the policy as it could affect multiculturalism, freedom, and human rights in the state.
Earlier this year, the MCA women's wing also opposed the policy, calling it “extreme and discriminatory”.
The latest directive on entertainment outlets comes after the Terengganu Tourism Department formulated Syariah-compliant guidelines for event organisers.
Aside from gender segregation, the 11-point guideline also bars women from performing onstage to a mixed audience. Female singers and performers are only allowed to perform to a female audience in an “enclosed place”.
Masochist govt.
Why are Penang Exco members commenting on the actions of other states? They should concentrate of their responsibilities in their state and leave their MPs to take up the issues in parliament.Looks like Penang Exco members are too free.