Feminism and the Women's Movement in Malaysia: An Unsung (R)evolution (Routledge Malaysian Studies Series Book 2)

Combining both personal and academic insights into the Malaysian women’s movement, this study provides an in-depth account of the multiple struggles of the Malaysian women’s movement, from securing gender equality in a patriarchal society to achieving unity among members of a multi-ethnic society that are further divided along class and religious lines. Most historical versions of national struggles have created icons out of male figures. The authors of this book have provided a corrective to this. They detail the importance of the role of the women’s movement, led by numerous unsung personalities in promoting social change in Malaysia. The book centres on a crucial argument: that in the context of an ethnically fragmented post-colonial, authoritarian society, an autonomous woman movement, which began in the early eighties had actually achieved significant political success. However the study observes that by the late 1990s, feminist issues were also readily appropriated by the state and the market, and also suggests that the emergence of ‘market feminism’ poses specific challenges for the future of the Malaysian women’s movement. This thorough and engaging account of feminism and the women’s movement in Malaysia will capture the interest of scholars, policy makers and activists. This Study Provides An Account Of The Multiple Struggles Of The Malaysian Women's Movement - From Securing Gender Equality In A Patriarchal Society To Achieving Unity Among Members Of A Multiethnic Society That Are Further Divided Along Class And Religious Lines. While Most Historical Versions Of National Struggles Have Created Icons Out Of Male Figures - Usually Prominent Politicians - This Study Provides A Corrective. It Details The Important Role Of The Women's Movement, Led By Numerous Unsung Personalities, In Promoting Social Change In Malaysia.--book Jacket. Introduction -- Accommodating Feminisms : The Women's Movement In Contemporary Malaysia -- The Violence Against Women Campaign : A Never-ending Story? -- An Unholy Alliance? : Women Engaging With The State -- Negotiating Political Islam : Women In Malay-muslim Organizations -- Muted Struggles : Challenges Of Women Workers -- Querying The Forbidden Discourse : Sexuality, Power And Dominance In Malaysia -- Conclusion : The Women's Movement And Discourse On Sexuality. Introduction -- Accommodating Feminisms : The Women's Movement In Contemporary Malaysia -- The Violence Against Women Campaign : A Never-ending Story? -- An Unholy Alliance : Women Engaging With The State -- Negotiating Political Islam : Women In Malay-muslim Organizations -- Muted Struggles : Challenges Of Women Workers -- Querying The Forbidden Discourse : Sexuality, Power, And Dominance In Malaysia -- Conclusion. Cecilia Ng, Maznah Mohamad And Tan Beng Hui. Published In Association With Malaysian Social Science Association (mssa). Includes Bibliographical References (p. [182]-211) And Index. Extrait de la couverture : "This study provides an account of the multiple struggles of the Malaysian women's movement - from securing gender equality in a patriarchal society to achieving unity among members of a multi-ethnic society that are further divided along class and religious lines. While most historical versions of national struggles have created icons out of male figures - usually prominent politicians - this study provides a corrective. It details the important role of the women's movement, led by numerous unsung personalities, in promoting social change in Malaysia. A crucial argument is made: that in the context of an ethnically fragmented post-colonial, authoritarian society, an autonomous women's movement which began in the early eighties had actually achieved significant political successes, introducing new issues into public debate and confronting the dictates of the state. But the study observes that by the late 1990s, feminist issues were also readily appropriated and instrumentalized by the state and the market. It argues that the emergence of 'market feminism' poses specific challenges for the future of the Malaysian women's movement. Overall, this book combines both personal and academic insights into the construction of an in-depth account of the Malaysian women's movement and the various feminisms behind it."