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STATEMENT BY

MR. LUTFI SHEIKH GHAZALI

LONG TERM DELEGATE TO THE 76^TH UNGA,

PERMANENT MISSION OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS

 

AT THE INTERACTIVE DIALOGUE SESSION WITH

MS. GLADYS ACOSTA VARGAS

CHAIR OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE ELIMINATION OF DISCRIMINATION AGAINST WOMEN

5 OCTOBER 2021, NEW YORK

 

 

 

Madam Chair,

            Malaysia wishes to thank you on your presentation and the work of the committee that has become more pivotal given the impacts of the pandemic on women.

 

Madam Chair,

Malaysia attaches great importance in enhancing the roles and status of women in society, as well as to uphold their rights and to ensure that those rights are continuously promoted. We strongly advocate for gender equality and the empowerment of women, and has formulated targeted policies to ensure that women and girls have equal opportunities in all spheres of life. The roles women play are central to Malaysia’s development and prosperity, which is clearly reflected under the country’s Shared Prosperity Vision 2030.

 

Conscious that women were negatively impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic, Malaysia implemented gender-responsive mitigation strategies under various stimulus packages, such as cash assistance for single mothers, childcare subsidies and flexible work arrangements.

 

Madam Chair,

Malaysia treats discrimination and violence against women seriously, and believes that such discrimination and violence are detrimental to societal progress, as they not only have severe consequences for women, but social and economic costs for all members of society.

 

The rise in instances of gender-based violence during the pandemic prompted Malaysia to swiftly establish helplines, set up online advocacies, shelters and provide counselling services in order to safeguard and protect women. We call out those who perpetrate such discriminatory and violent acts as cowardly, and should be dealt with in full justice.

 

Madam Chair,

Malaysia will continue to play an active role regionally and internationally in advancing the empowerment of women. Malaysia stands ready to share its experiences and achievements and is eager to learn from others, in order to help realise the highest potential of women from all walks of life.  The question that we would like to raise is; as we see that the pandemic will continue to impact developing countries that face vaccination challenges, what tools / measures is the committee looking into to assist in the submission of national reports from these member states?

 

I thank you.