Malaysia Women & Girls Forum 2021

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MWGF 2021 Theme

Bodily Autonomy: Ensuring Rights & Choices for Malaysia's Women & Girls

What is Bodily Autonomy?

Bodily Autonomy is defined as the right to make decisions about one’s own life and future. It is about being empowered to make informed choices. In most countries, this is far from a reality for women & girls.  Even though Bodily Autonomy is a pillar of Human Rights - its application and understanding is far from ideal.

Bodily Autonomy in Malaysia

The realisation and establishment of Bodily Autonomy, be it on any level - educational, social, economic and policy - enhances the rights of the individual.  It will empower both men & women with a firmer grasp over their rights, their bodies and their choices.

Taking into account the multi-faceted impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, understanding and applying  the fundamentals of Bodily Autonomy will propel the end of socio-cultural norms & laws that allow for violence against women & girls to occur.  In tandem, helping to bridge various systemic gaps when it comes to securing rights & choices for women & girls.  

Therefore, it is vital that Malaysians (including men & young boys) begin to understand & apply Bodily Autonomy to expand their lives & worldview.

Policymakers, the government, institutions and CSO’s have a leading role to play- by amplifying and connecting Malaysians to their universal human right of Bodily Autonomy. 

About MWGF

Building towards a brighter future forbMalaysia's Women & Girls

The Malaysia Women & Girls Forum (MWGF) is an annual event that brings together multiple stakeholders involved in the social and economic advancement of women & girls in Malaysia. The Forum aims to be the bridge that connects the public, civil society and policy stakeholders towards rapidly advancing the necessary social, economic and political solutions needed for the advancement of Malaysia’s women & girls.

Funded and supported by the United Nations (UN) & United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Malaysia, MWGF collectively amplifies, tracks and provides proactive recommendations & solutions on the progress of advancing the rights and wellbeing of Malaysia’s women and girls.

MWGF Pillars:

1. Building towards the 2030 SDGs

2. Attaining Gender Equality

3. Ending Gender-based violence and Harmful Practices

4. Ending Unmet Need for Family Planning

5. Ending preventable Maternal death

6. Attaining full potential of young people