In 2021/22 I worked with MPs and staff of the women’s parliamentary committee of the Malaysian Dewan Rakyat.

MPs on the committee wanted to improve their skills and knowledge about embedding gender into their work, and improve the effectiveness of their oversight and law-making.

Working with a local NGO, ENGENDER, we delivered a series of interactive online workshops. These sessions facilitated exchanges with EU parliamentarians and staff, and allowed for wide-ranging discussions about how to design a tailored approach for Malaysia. They also covered broader topics such as committee effectiveness.

The relationships developed through these sessions led to a study visit for Malaysia MPs and staff to the Italian Chamber of Deputies. The two day visit included exchanges with MPs and staff from the Italian and Irish parliaments, and included an extensive strategic planning session, resulting in an action plan.

Inspired by the Italian approach to gender impact assessment of legislation, the Malaysian MPs wanted to establish a similar process. Working with the local NGO, we designed a gender impact assessment template and piloted the approach on a draft Bill relating to agriculture. The exercise highlighted where existing gender inequalities were likely to lead to unequal, unintended outcomes.

As a result of this work, the parliament is currently considering conducting a gender audit, with support from INTER PARES.