Organised by the Joint Action Group for Gender Equality (JAG) and Engender Consultancy, the Women’s Tribunal aims to provide an alternative form of justice and advocacy for women’s human rights and gender equality, as well as highlight gaps in law, policy, cultural and institutional structures, and their impact.
JAG is a coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) working towards gender equality.
While the Women’s Tribunal is not an officially sanctioned body and does not have judicial authority, its organisers believe that it will be a powerful tool for gaining support for women’s rights and gender equality.
The witness testimonies, gathered in the online proceedings held from Nov 27-28, will be presented on various themes, such as constitutional and legal framework, economy, health and education.
At an online press conference today, JAG members said the Women’s Tribunal also hopes to receive recommendations for change in holding the state accountable, build solidarity and strengthen movements.
The three judges will deliberate for five days and provide written findings on the state’s performance and obligations under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination (Cedaw) and other international human rights standards, as well as submit recommendations to the government to remedy, prevent and address violations raised by witnesses.
The judges, who will be supported by a team of three advisors and five lawyers, will present their written findings and recommendations on Dec 4.
The women, family and community development ministry has been invited to observe and respond to the judges’ findings and recommendations.
“We are mounting this tribunal not only to strengthen our lobbying efforts but to get the attention of the public, that is, ordinary Malaysians who will get to hear first-hand the testimonies from affected women,” said women’s rights activist Ivy Josiah in a statement released by the tribunal’s steering committee.
“After all, gender equality is everybody’s business. We seek wider public support for women’s issues. I believe that public pushback is the most powerful advocacy tool.”