Photo shows participants, panelists and guests displaying the figure ‘3’ to signify the 30pc target for women’s representation in decision-making roles. Also present were former Kapayan Assemblywoman Datuk Jannie Lasimbang, former Deputy State Secretary Datuk Asnimar Hj Sukardi, retired State Health Director Datuk Dr Maria Suleiman, and Inspector Ramona from the police force. (Photo by Jonathan Lim)
From Mary Chin
KOTA KINABALU: .Although the Sabah Women-Action Resource Group (SAWO) is calling a day soon after 40 years of existence, it is still very passionate about advocating the government’s 30pc target policy for women in decision-making positions in the public and private sectors.
The Forum on Gender Justice held by the organisation at Ibis Hotel, Inanam on Tuesday sparked a discussion among participants on how to achieve the goal so that more women can get elected as assemblywomen and members of parliament in the Sabah context.
One proposal was to make the 30pc women target a law.
Formed in 1986, SAWO was a household word in its unprecedented struggle for gender justice.
Its signature projects included public awareness raising campaigns against gender inequality and domestic violence, a rural outreach programme to provide services, resources and protection for rural communities, and the SAWO Helpline, a free counselling service which provides confidential emotional and psychological support, information, and referrals to women and families in distress or crisis.
