Feminis ialah mereka yang membentuk, memperjuangkan dan mempertahankan hak politik, ekonomi dan sosial seorang wanita. Lelaki pun boleh jadi feminis, kalau mereka percaya dan perjuangkan hak wanita. Kenapa ? Tak salah kan lelaki perjuangankan hak wanita, bukan kah kami ni isterimu, ibumu, kakakmu, adikmu, rakanmu, girlfriendmu, anakmu dan banyak lagi peranan kami dalam hidupmu.
Kenapa tak boleh sama-sama bersuara pada mereka yang melakukan keganasan terhadap wanita, merendah-rendahkan wanita, buat joke sexist pada/tentang wanita - tak kelakar pun. We are laughing at you , not with you.
Sempena dengan International Women's Day 2014 ni ( sambutan sejak 1911), perjuangan harus diteruskan. Jangan putus asa, jangan letih dan jangan harap agar orang lain yanh akan memperjuangkan hak kita.
I'd like to thank all the strong and women out there , who made it possible for woman like me to drive, get an education, work, vote, participate in nation building, speak up and walk freely on the street. Believe or not once, women aren't able to enjoy all these , and some other parts of the world , women still aren't able to do all that.
I specifically hope for Kaseh ( my elders) daughter to continuously to enjoy equal opportunities and fair treatment in whatever she does, despite being a woman. We, would try our very best to give her the best education, to aspire her to reach her highest potential, encourage and support her to achieve the highest leadership position in what ever field she wishes.
I hope during her time, more woman will lead and not limited to secretarial or administrative role only. I remembered during my time, some questioned my position of School Head, simple because i was a girl. Girls were meant to be secretaries or treasurer only. I am glad , teachers in my school was quite progressive at that time. But that was an isolated case. Still today , Head or President are as thought reserved for only men.
I hope Kaseh does not have to face all that we have to face - sexist joke, sexual harassment, gender discrimination, gender stereotype and those other crap that we have to face. She will be respected and seen for her capabilities and not because of her looks. She can stand up tall and be proud of her achievements and not be afraid that boys might be intimidated with her intelligence and vocalness.
For my son Kefli, we will give the best upbringing that we can , so that he grows up to be a gentleman, who is strong and who respects women. He's not pressured to join his peers in putting women down and will think that men who shows violence are losers. There's no need to put down others just to feel powerful. Don't let Mama catch you , making remarks at women - nak kena cili ? He will help me with my house chores, he will clean the kitchen and wash the dishes, just like Mama and Kakak. There's no preference here, and don't let me hear you say - itu kerja perempuan Mama ( that's a woman's job). Nak kena cili ? He will grow up strong a gentleman and responsible.
Gender equality begins at home. Happy International Women's Day!
