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Rasidah Hab

The Brunei Times

Publication Date : 01-01-2013

Brunian women need to be more vocal when speaking about the needs of women, said the vice president I of the Council of Women of Brunei Darussalam.

Datin Hjh Masni Hj Mohd Ali said Bruneian women may have progressed but there were still certain issues that had to be addressed.

"Now we can see that there are more women at the university level and there will be more women joining the labour force but what is still lacking is child-friendly policies and programmes for the working mother," said Datin Hjh Masni in an interview with The Brunei Times.

Brunei has narrowed the gender gap in terms of the number of women in the workplace, but there is still a shortage of female decision makers.

"It is still not at the critical percentage that is able to influence decisions and policies. We also have to take up issues of gender equality. Incorporate gender equality and women empowerment in formulation of policies and programmes of the country," she said, adding that a national foundation for family should be set up.

"We have to look at the need for a national foundation or committee to look into the needs of the family. This foundation or committee can give courses on parenting skills, management and financial skills," she said.

"We have to take family issues seriously. For women, for example, their multiple roles as a wife, mother and an employee and the need for work-life balance must be taken into consideration."

In addition to the need for child-friendly policies, welfare and the rights of children are matters that we need to look into. Non-governmental organisations should look into the rights of children, she said.

"We are not doing much on welfare and the rights of children at the moment. In Brunei it is not exactly children friendly."

It is the responsibility of everyone to ensure the healthy development of children, she said.

"Breastfeeding and healthy nutrition are very important. We should also encourage physical activities. Mothers and fathers must play their role as the source for advice and support. We also have to teach children about values as part of their informal education," she said.

With Brunei taking over the chair of Asean today, Datin Hjh Masni commented on the theme "Our People, Our Future Together" from the point of view of non-governmental organisations and civil society organisations (CSOs).

"The Brunei theme reflects the aim of the Asean Charter to promote a people-oriented Asean in which all sectors of society are encouraged to participate and benefit from the process of Asean integration and community-building.

"As with previous years, a CSO conference will be held before or back-to back with Brunei hosting the summit in Brunei. This event can provide a unique networking opportunity for CSOs from the 10 Asean nations to discuss Asean processes and common issues facing its people and collectively raise awareness about a range of regional challenges. The event will also strengthen solidarity and unity of civil society and people from Asean covering issues like women's empowerment and rights, poverty eradication, child protection, climate change, social protection and health, people with disabilities, food safety and security."

"The theme also highlights the significant people's participation and a truly people-centred Asean, which is an essential part of the Asean community building," she said.