Wednesday 8th March is International Women’s day which celebrates the achievements of women globally and hopes to remind us and raise awareness of the many women’s issues that still need addressing. Life & Style has decided to highlight and celebrate the accomplishments of some truly inspiring women in Malaysia.
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Zainah Anwar (image from Women's Learning Partnership)
Zainah Anwar
The leading Malaysian social activist who founded Sisters in Islam in 1988 and who is a director of Musawah which seeks equality and justice in the Muslim family, was ranked 7th on a New York based advocacy’s list of the 100 most inspirational women around the world. She pushes for the equal rights of Muslim women petitioning the Government to reform laws which are sexist.
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Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir (photo by Nur Zalikha)
Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir
The eldest daughter of Malaysia’s fourth Prime Minister, Marina Mahathir was this month placed 57th in a New York based advocacy’s list of the 100 most inspirational women around the world for championing the rights of women and children. As an advisor for the Malaysian AIDS Council and has won worldwide praise for her activism in dealing with the stigma attached to HIV/AIDS in Malaysia.
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Meera Samanther (image from http://national-express-malaysia.blogspot.com)
Meera Samanther
Meera Samanther is the President of Women’s Aid Organisation, Malaysia (WAO) which opened in 1982 offering the first shelter for Malaysian women and children who had been battered. One of the group’s biggest achievements was a change to the Federal Constitution prohibiting discrimination of women on the grounds of gender and pushed for the Domestic Violence Act to be passed.
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Dato Michelle Yeoh (image from www.oneasianworld.com)
Dato Michelle Yeoh
The Malaysian born Hong Kong based actress was voted in 2008 as the greatest action heroine actress of all time for her many roles on the big screen, including the 1997 James Bond film and the award winning Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon for which she was nominated a BAFTA for. Yeah was also honoured as The Outstanding Young Persons of the World (TOYP).
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Datuk Nicol David (image from http://squashstars.com)
Datuk Nicole David
Dominating women’s squash since she turned professional in 2000, Nicole is the World’s number 1 women’s squash player winning the World Open Title in 2005 and for five consecutive years and achieved the World Junior title, twice. Her winning streak also includes the Asian Squash Championship which she won seven times, and was awarded with WISPA Player of the Year six years in a row from 2005. Nicole honoured Malaysia by carrying the Olympic torch in the 2004 Olympics in Athens.
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Datuk Rasammah Bhupalan (image from http://gambargambarpelik.blogspot.com)
Datuk Rasammah Bhupalan
The 84 year old Past President of the National Council of Women’s Organisations (NCWO), fought for Malaysian independence, served in Burma during the Second World War, has fought for women’s right and the equal pay for women teachers. She also involved herself in the anti-drug abuse movement and championed for women’s rights, giving a voice to millions of women.
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Yasmin Ahmad (image from www.selebriti.tv)
Yasmin Ahmad
The renowned film director and writer who sadly passed away in 2009 won numerous awards for her work within Malaysia and internationally. Although her films were contentious as they often broached taboo topics, they were also hailed for the humour and crossing cultural barriers. Thanks to the many commercials she was received into the Malaysian Advertising Hall of Fame by the Association of Accredited Advertising Agents Malaysia in 2008.
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Ida Nerina (image from www.qpicture.com)
Ida Nerina
The actress, director and producer who was paralysed after a fall in 2009, won multiple awards throughout her career from the Malaysian Film Association from best actress, best supporting actress and from the Malaysian Film Workers Association. She finished third place in The Amazing Race Asia series three and in 2009 became the acting and Drama coach for the seventh season of Akademi Fantasia.
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Hannah Yeoh (image from http://akalminda.wordpress.com)
Hannah Yeoh
The former lawyer and event manager became Subang Jaya assemblyman in 2008 after joining DAP in 2006 and obtaining a Bachelor of Law from the University of Tasmania, Australia in 2001. She has pushed for racial harmony and multiculturalism with the aim to eradicate discrimination.
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[article: Flora McCraith, http://lifestyle.malaysia.msn.com/Relationships/article.aspx?cp-documentid=4694043&page=0]