FIRST FOR M’SIA AS CEDAW REPORT SUBMITTED ‘IN TIMELY MANNER’

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia submitted its periodic report on the implementation of the United Nations’ Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (Cedaw) “in a timely manner” for the first time ever yesterday.

The women, family and community development ministry said Nancy Shukri also became the first ever minister to lead the delegation in presenting Malaysia’s Cedaw report in Geneva, Switzerland.

“Malaysia is proud to highlight that this is the first time we submitted the periodic report in a timely manner. This demonstrates Malaysia’s commitment to fulfilling our obligations under Cedaw,” it said in a statement.

In the report presented during the convention’s 88th session, Putrajaya gave updates on policies, initiatives and measures taken to eliminate discrimination against women.

“Since the last report, 28 laws and regulations have been repealed, amended or introduced to improve the overall human rights situation in the country, including those related to women and children.

“Malaysia enacted the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act in 2022 and subsequently established the Tribunal for Anti-Sexual Harassment in March 2024,” said Nancy.

More women in Malaysia have also earned leadership roles in male-dominated sectors, she added, crediting the 30% quota for women in decision-making positions at public agencies.

“Through such temporary special measures, 38.9% of women currently hold decision-making positions within public agencies in Malaysia.

“Some 30.7% of women are also board members in the top 100 public-listed companies, beating our 2030 target,” she added.

The ministry said the Cedaw committee also commended the government’s efforts to amend domestic violence laws and criminalise the act of stalking.

2024-05-24T06:17:05Z dg43tfdfdgfd