Kapayan assemblyman Jannie Lasimbang.
KOTA KINABALU: For generations, indigenous women have been sidelined in decision-making processes and leadership roles but this should change, says Jannie Lasimbang.
The Kapayan assemblyman advocates for a quota system to address the persistent patriarchy and discrimination against women in certain communities.
“Indigenous women play a crucial role in self-determination, which includes active participation in decision-making and leadership.
"Providing them with opportunities and building trust is essential for them to assume leadership positions,” she said.
She stressed the need for a quota system to ensure indigenous women are not sidelined and are given equal opportunities.
Lasimbang advocated for equitable land inheritance for women, stressing the importance of legal frameworks that guarantee indigenous women’s rights to land ownership and tenure.
“Families should pass down land equitably to daughters, and the legal framework must guarantee that indigenous women have equal rights in land ownership and tenure,” she urged.
Protection for indigenous women was another key point raised by Lasimbang, who highlighted the importance of living free from violence and having access to legal protection and justice.
The former Sabah assistant education and innovation minister also called for financial support and entrepreneurial programmes to help indigenous women achieve economic independence.
“Financial support and programmes for indigenous women entrepreneurs are vital for their economic independence.
“Additionally, government support for childcare would enable them to participate more actively in empowerment programmes,” said Lasimbang, a former Unicef Malaysia consultant.
She shared her views after participating online in a World’s Indigenous Peoples Day 2024 forum titled “The Role of Women in the Right to Self-Determination”.
Themed “Take Back Our Rights”, the three-day event, which ends Friday (Aug 9), was celebrated with a series of forums addressing critical issues faced by indigenous communities in Malaysia, including the role of women in self-determination.
The event, which took place in Bau, Sarawak, saw the participation of notable figures, including former chief justice Tun Richard Malanjum and other key leaders in the indigenous community.
The forums covered various topics, including customary land rights and sustainable development.
Lasimbang expressed hope that the event would strengthen solidarity among indigenous communities and promote a deeper understanding of the importance of protecting and supporting the community worldwide.
“Through this celebration, we hope to strengthen solidarity among communities at all levels and promote a better understanding of the importance of protecting and supporting indigenous communities worldwide,” she said.
