MARUAH calls for stronger safeguards against abuse

SINGAPORE: Singapore civil society group, MARUAH, has called for stronger civil and social safeguards to prevent violence against women.

MARUAH made the call on Sunday, as women’s organisations and human rights activists around the world mark International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

It supported the call by the Association of Women for Action and Research (AWARE) and the Singapore Council of Women’s Organisations to have a law to protect women, as well as men, from sexual harassment.

MARUAH, which is the Singapore arm of the region—wide working group for an ASEAN human rights mechanism, urged the government to institute such a law.

It also wants gender studies to be part of the curriculum in schools — to help children better understand gender relations and violence against women and children.

"No human being should be subjected to any form of abuse — physical, sexual, psychological. It destroys their self—esteem and it takes many years of hard work to rebuild a person," said Braema Mathi, president of MARUAH.

"As members of this society, we should develop zero tolerance to any form of violence against women and girls."

— CNA/xq