Women are the solution – how women are instilling hope being the frontline faces in protests for a more free, democratic, equal and just world.
As we battle the global pandemic crisis, Malaysians and the rest of the world honour women this International Women’s Day observance on March 8th, one cannot deny the faces of women – strong, smart, resilient, passionate and driven by universal values of democracy, equality and justice are fast becoming the frontlines faces fighting for good governance and social justice for all.
Beyond doubt, the faces of women are the ones leading the nation and the world to be healed, mended, restored, rebuilt and to be set right.
Deepening inequalities, a dangerous spike in violence against women, escalating child marriages, trafficking of women and children, infanticide of female babies, paired with patriarchal archaic laws, policies, beliefs and cultures work as a catch-22 situation against women who are also one of the most vulnerable groups affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
A mother and teacher Tin Nwe Yee, was shot with tear gas, and was kicked by a Myanmar police officer while frantically searching for her asthma inhaler. She died but her efforts have not been in vain as her husband believes that her death will inspire others to fight against this injustice.
The call for faces of women to be in the peace room is more critical now than ever before.
The faces of women, in a crisis, in a pandemic, have today become the faces of hope – for all. And with that hope, they represent the face of a a remedy, a solution to improve the lives of all and to engineer and instil practices of good governance.
Women leaders like Jacinda Ardern the Prime Minister of New Zealand and her sterling leadership in addressing period poverty and managing the pandemic in her country as a whole, further cement the fact that the world is void of women in leadership positions when we have such capable women in abundance.
And Malaysia is no exception. We need to push for the advancement of women’s participation in politics and empowering them to take up leadership positions in nation-building.
In times of darkness, when true leadership shines from the faces of good, capable, smart, courageous women, there is the light of hope right there.
Women as the frontline faces for justice, freedom, equality and democracy will not only be the face as frontliners fighting this pandemic but as a strong and valiant force against tyranny, authoritarian, oppressive authorities that continue to suppress the rights of all.
That time is now. Choose to Challenge. Women as the face of hope. Happy International Women’s Day!
Kasthuri Patto
Member of Parliament for Batu Kawan
International Secretary for DAP Women
