HARAPAN, BN, and PN #GE15 manifestos – which is best on women rights? My review👇
It may not be possible to definitively say "which is best".
Instead, I suggest a brief framework for analysis (asking 5 questions of each manifesto), and I offer some thoughts on policy commitments I felt were particularly noteworthy.
Instead, I suggest a brief framework for analysis (asking 5 questions of each manifesto), and I offer some thoughts on policy commitments I felt were particularly noteworthy.
Question 1: First, we must ask if the manifesto is strong OVERALL.
When we hear “women” & policy, we often think of specific programmes targeted at women. These programmes are important, but just a small part of any policy agenda.
When we hear “women” & policy, we often think of specific programmes targeted at women. These programmes are important, but just a small part of any policy agenda.
Instead, we must first think of “bread & butter” issues that any voter (incl women) would care about.
Recent surveys suggest this includes inflation, jobs - and yes, corruption.
I won't review these issues, but remember: "women's policies" does NOT just mean "women's programs".
Recent surveys suggest this includes inflation, jobs - and yes, corruption.
I won't review these issues, but remember: "women's policies" does NOT just mean "women's programs".
Question 2: does the manifesto “mainstream” gender?
Having “bread and butter” policies is one thing. But we must also ensure that these policies – and policies in general – work for all regardless of gender.
Each manifesto seems to have one commitment on mainstreaming gender.
Having “bread and butter” policies is one thing. But we must also ensure that these policies – and policies in general – work for all regardless of gender.
Each manifesto seems to have one commitment on mainstreaming gender.
In my view – on gender mainstreaming – HARAPAN has the strongest commitment: “every Bill presented in Parliament will be guaranteed to possess gender inclusivity elements”.
This policy is quite specific, and will be very impactful.
This policy is quite specific, and will be very impactful.
In contrast, BN's (“conduct a needs assessment to establish a Gender Equality Tribunal”) & PN's (“strengthen a strategic plan towards achieving gender equity by 2030”) commitments COULD be good, but it depends on what the "assessment" decides / what the "strategic plan" says.
Question 3: Does the manifesto address discrimination against women?
We are still not talking about "specific women's programs". Instead we now ask: how to address discrimination, which stops women from enjoying equal rights & opportunities (at work, home, public etc) as men.
We are still not talking about "specific women's programs". Instead we now ask: how to address discrimination, which stops women from enjoying equal rights & opportunities (at work, home, public etc) as men.
On citizenship discrimination, it's quite clear: HARAPAN> BN> PN.
HARAPAN & BN commit to amend the Constitution so women have equal rights as men to confer citizenship. HARAPAN has additional promises on related issues.
PN only commits to “finalising a study” on the amendments.
HARAPAN & BN commit to amend the Constitution so women have equal rights as men to confer citizenship. HARAPAN has additional promises on related issues.
PN only commits to “finalising a study” on the amendments.
On employment discrimination:
Only HARAPAN commits explicitly to address workplace discrimination; but BN & PN make specific commitments on incentivising women's work (tax breaks for employers and/or women).
Only HARAPAN commits explicitly to address workplace discrimination; but BN & PN make specific commitments on incentivising women's work (tax breaks for employers and/or women).
BN's promise: “full income tax exemptions for 5 years” for women returning to work – I feel, is the most notable. (although this may not have an effect for workers with salaries below the tax bracket)
Other promises on economic participation:
HARAPAN & PN propose funding & training for women entrepreneurs.
BN proposes creating new agencies (“Women’s Econ. Development Bank”; “Women’s Econ. Dev. Corp.”). This could be significant.
HARAPAN & PN propose funding & training for women entrepreneurs.
BN proposes creating new agencies (“Women’s Econ. Development Bank”; “Women’s Econ. Dev. Corp.”). This could be significant.
Question 4: We ask about child care (and other care work). Why care work specifically?
Women disproportionately perform care work (for children & other dependents).
This unfair care burden is perhaps the biggest barrier to equality for women – at home, work & other spheres.
Women disproportionately perform care work (for children & other dependents).
This unfair care burden is perhaps the biggest barrier to equality for women – at home, work & other spheres.
Child care features prominently in all three manifestos.
HARAPAN proposes a mix of: childcare subsidies for B40 and M40 women, creating compulsory "One Stop Caregiving Facilities" in communities, & working with NGOs to provide after-school spaces for children.
HARAPAN proposes a mix of: childcare subsidies for B40 and M40 women, creating compulsory "One Stop Caregiving Facilities" in communities, & working with NGOs to provide after-school spaces for children.
PN focuses on the supply side: “extending op. hours of Perpaduan & KEMAS nurseries”, incentives for nurseries at work, free child care for the poor, & digitalising nurseries to enable monitoring of children.
Notably, PN proposes increasing paternity leave to 14 days (from 7).
Notably, PN proposes increasing paternity leave to 14 days (from 7).
While HARAPAN & PN have noteworthy commitments on child care – I'd say BN's promise of “free national early childhood care and education for all children 6 years of age and under” is the most significant.
This could be a "game-changing" policy, which I believe is achievable.
This could be a "game-changing" policy, which I believe is achievable.
This has done in other countries & Malaysia has a strong foundation (eg. KEMAS) to build upon. Studies suggest that publicly run child care is preferable to demand-side policies (eg. subsidies for parents) & that universal is preferable to targeted access (eg. only for the poor).
Question 5. Lastly, how well is women’s social welfare addressed in the manifestos? This is towards ensuring all women can live with dignity.
In the manifestos, proposals relating to social welfare include those on gender-based violence, women’s health & financial assistance.
In the manifestos, proposals relating to social welfare include those on gender-based violence, women’s health & financial assistance.
On gender-based violence:
Most notable is HARAPAN’s commitment to resume implementing the national strategic plan on #childmarriage. This plan was adopted by the HARAPAN govt in 2020, but stalled since Sheraton.
Neither BN/PN address child marriage.
Most notable is HARAPAN’s commitment to resume implementing the national strategic plan on #childmarriage. This plan was adopted by the HARAPAN govt in 2020, but stalled since Sheraton.
Neither BN/PN address child marriage.
BN and PN both commit to implementing the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act. The Act is already law, and so we expect any government to implement it.
PN commits to pass the Anti-Stalking law #MakeStalkingACrime. This is important since the bill has yet to pass the Senate.
PN commits to pass the Anti-Stalking law #MakeStalkingACrime. This is important since the bill has yet to pass the Senate.
On women’s health:
Both HARAPAN and BN make noteworthy commitments.
HARAPAN commits to “free sanitary pads & tampons at all primary & secondary schools” and for B40 women. This could help end period poverty.
Both HARAPAN and BN make noteworthy commitments.
HARAPAN commits to “free sanitary pads & tampons at all primary & secondary schools” and for B40 women. This could help end period poverty.
BN commits to establish a "Women’s Public Specialist Hospital”. This could address women’s specific health needs, as well as help ensure mainstream medical services cater to women appropriately.
BN also commits to subsidise mammogram tests and cervical cancer screening .
BN also commits to subsidise mammogram tests and cervical cancer screening .
On financial assistance:
All three propose cash transfers for parents.
HARAPAN’s is the most generous – promising universal monthly cash aid for children (up to 6 years old).
BN promises “one-off RM500 cash" to eligible mothers; and PN “special care allowances for parents”.
All three propose cash transfers for parents.
HARAPAN’s is the most generous – promising universal monthly cash aid for children (up to 6 years old).
BN promises “one-off RM500 cash" to eligible mothers; and PN “special care allowances for parents”.
So, those are the "5 questions" & some highlights.
Which manifesto is best for women overall?
I can't really say. Partly as I’m a man, but also I don’t think there is an objective “best”. Much depends values & preferences.
But I hope my thread helps you decide for yourself.
Which manifesto is best for women overall?
I can't really say. Partly as I’m a man, but also I don’t think there is an objective “best”. Much depends values & preferences.
But I hope my thread helps you decide for yourself.
A final point:
A manifesto's worth ultimately depends on the credibility of the party implementing it.
And so, a final question to ask: which coalition can we trust to do what they say?
(If you found this thread helpful / informative, pls help RT 👇)
A manifesto's worth ultimately depends on the credibility of the party implementing it.
And so, a final question to ask: which coalition can we trust to do what they say?
(If you found this thread helpful / informative, pls help RT 👇)
https://twitter.com/renchung/status/1591969904961490947
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