By NNN-Bernama,
Kuala Lumpur : Women should recognise that their safety is their right, whether at home, at work or in any public space, says Malaysian Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Shahrizat Abdul Jalil.
Stressing that gender-based violence could only be curbed if all were sensitive about the issue and knew their rights, she said: “Violence against women has become a global issue haunting the world. It can happen to any woman anywhere.”
She said this in her speech at the launch of a campaign in conjunction with World Day for Handling Violence Against Women here Saturday. Her speech was read by her deputy minister, Heng Seai Kie.
Shahrizat said violence against women was being committed openly as well as in secret.
The abuse of women hidden from view included cases of incest which might not be reported to the authorities because it involved family honour, she said, adding: “The issue is still shrouded in shame and silence.”
The campaign, with the theme “Say No: UNiTE To End Violence Against Women” is to step up government and community efforts to stop violence against women.
Earlier, Heng launched the Youth Orbit-Circle Of Influence club, which is a ministry initiative to make young people more aware of violence against women.
So far, about 500 have registered with the club.