Violence keeps women away from politics

In condemning the death threat faced by Seputeh MP Teresa Kok, DAP Wanita chief Teo Nie Ching pointed out that acts of violence only serves to keep away women from politics.

“I am equally concerned that acts of violence like this will deter other women from joining politics. In 2014, there was a study that was conducted by UN Women and Centre for Social Research entitled “Violence against Women in Politics” which revealed that the insufficient implementation of laws, lack of support, the socio-economic divide and current power structures are the major reasons for violence,” said Teo in a statement.

“The study also finds that while the percentage of female voters and women candidates fielded by political parties has increased in all three countries which are India, Nepal and Pakistan, the percentage of female representatives in national bodies has decreased. The study also finds that more than 60 per cent of women do not participate in politics due to fear of violence.

Teo who is also the party’s national publicity secretary also called for the implementation and policies to combat violence against women as a step to nip acts such as the one faced by Kok.

“Hence, we as a society must do more to improve the environment in which women can thrive in public service. We cannot encourage more equal participation of gender without first increasing more awareness and investing more infrastructure for our women.

“Thus, more implementation of policies and legislation combating violence against women and more intercultural community dialogues between different genders, races and religions is needed to mitigate feelings of animosity and hate.”

Kok had received a death threat with bullets yesterday.

DAP has condemned the act and declared that it stands in solidarity with Kok.

READ: Kok receives bullets, threat letter