Significance of Women’s Wings in Political Parties
PETALING JAYA: Sangetha Jayakumar, vice chief of PKR Women’s (Wanita Keadilan), emphasized the importance of women’s wings in political parties, asserting that these structures are vital for creating a supportive environment for women as they prepare to engage in national politics.
Response to Calls for Abolishing Women’s Wings
In light of lawyer-turned-activist Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan’s proposal to eliminate women’s wings in political parties, Sangetha expressed that Ambiga’s viewpoint overlooks the genuine challenges faced by women in the political arena.
Addressing Barriers to Women’s Political Participation
“In Malaysia, cultural and systemic obstacles continue to stymie women’s involvement and leadership. Women’s wings are instrumental in providing a structured and supportive space where women can learn, adapt, and enhance their leadership capabilities before entering national politics,” Sangetha stated.
The Role of Women’s Wings as Stepping Stones
She pointed out that women’s wings are essential stepping stones, empowering women with the confidence, networks, and experiences needed to navigate a predominantly male political landscape. The notion that women can instantly ascend to central leadership roles without these preparatory platforms fails to acknowledge the realities of gendered political participation.
Realities of Gender Inequality
“In a nation like Malaysia, where societal norms impose significant burdens on women, expecting equal participation without essential structural support is unrealistic and dismissive of the ongoing challenges women face,” she remarked.
Global Research on Women’s Representation
Drawing on global research, Sangetha noted that women’s political wings, mentorship initiatives, and gender quotas effectively enhance women’s representation. She cited findings from the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), which indicate that countries with gender quotas and organized women’s wings exhibit significantly higher levels of female political representation.
Current Statistics and the Need for Support
“In Malaysia, women only occupy 13.5% of parliamentary seats—substantially below the 30% benchmark recommended by the UN. Dismantling organizations like women’s wings would only deepen this disparity,” she highlighted.
Women’s Wings vs. Gender Inequality
“The issue lies not with women’s wings but with the pervasive gender inequality. Instead of pushing for their removal, we should enhance these platforms to ensure they genuinely serve as pathways for women to ascend to leadership roles,” she explained.
Empowering Women in Political Leadership
Sangetha also emphasized that Wanita Keadilan has long advocated programs designed to empower women in political leadership. The ‘Run-2-Win’ initiative exemplifies this commitment, equipping women with essential skills for managing elections, formulating campaign strategies, and stepping forward as candidates.
Training for Future Political Leaders
“Run-2-Win acts as a critical training platform, ensuring more women are not only engaged in election management but are also prepared to compete for and secure positions,” she noted.
Future Directions for Women’s Representation
Sangetha reiterated the imperative of strengthening such programs rather than dismantling women’s wings to foster greater female political representation. “If we are genuinely committed to increasing women’s presence in decision-making roles, we must confront the real barriers and provide necessary support, rather than thrusting them into leadership roles without adequate grounding,” she added.
Critique of Existing Perspectives
Sangetha’s remarks follow Ambiga’s comments made at a public forum hosted by NGO Mandiri, where she argued that separate women’s wings reinforce male dominance within party leadership. Ambiga also praised the Muda party for its lack of a women’s wing, describing it as indicative of the party’s commitment to treating women as equals.
