Address gender gaps in Budget 2022, says women’s group

PETALING JAYA: Budget 2022 must not leave out women, families and vulnerable communities and must also address gender gaps in society made worse by the pandemic, says the Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO).

A new report by WAO outlines three pillars that must be prioritised in Malaysia’s road to national recovery.

The first pillar is for the national budget to strengthen available support services for domestic violence and gender-based violence survivors.

“The past two years have seen multiple movement control orders (MCOs) and enforced confinement at home in efforts to manage the pandemic. This has exacerbated instances of domestic violence and gender-based violence across Malaysia,” WAO said in a statement today.

The second pillar is for a gender responsive approach in addressing national employment and job security.

“Incentives and subsidies must be provided to address the lack of gender-sensitive hiring and childcare support, to close gender gaps in employment that have worsened due to the pandemic,” it said.

The final pillar is for the government to implement stronger mental healthcare services, accessibility and awareness particularly for women and children.

“We strongly urge the government to consider these recommendations, to ensure that Budget 2022 provides support to those most adversely affected by the pandemic to thrive,” WAO said. — Free Malaysia Today