When women aren’t present, we must ask: “If not, why not?”
When women are discriminated against, we must call out poor practice.
When the treatment of women is not equitable, we must take action.
And we must do this each time, every time.
Source: internationalwomensday.com
This 8th March marks International Women’s Day (IWD) 2024. With the theme of this year’s IWD being #InspireInclusion, makchic sought the perspectives of four inspiring Malaysian women – leaders, innovators and changemakers in their respective fields – who are continuing to challenge perceptions and champion the greater inclusion of women and girls within our nation.
Read their stories below:
Deborah Priya Henry
Beauty and intellect, with a heart of gold. With close to 60,000 followers on Instagram, our former Miss Malaysia World and Miss Malaysia Universe, Deborah Henry, continually utilises her sizeable platform to generate awareness and elevate others. Almost 15 years ago, she co-founded Fugee School to provide equal educational opportunities to refugee children in Malaysia and in 2017, founded Fugeelah, a social enterprise that works with refugees and marginalised Malaysian communities.
Since then, Deborah has witnessed the educational journey of over hundreds of refugee children in the country. Today, she shares with makchic about what #Inspire Inclusion truly means to her.
#InspireInclusion is a mindset. Perhaps when we make it front of mind and through repetition, we make “being inclusive” a part of who we are, and how we live. Our reality is a little different.
We can’t take being inclusive for granted. We need to inspire it, and we need to teach it. I think, whether that’s at home with observing our parents, or at school, at work or just through our day-to-day living, it is something that we should be inspired to be.
It is in the small and the big decisions that we make, and I think at the core of it – when we come from a place where everyone is equal, everyone deserves a chance, and by recognising that there are many communities for one reason or another, who often get left behind or get left out – we must be mindful. Do we think about others?”
What personal and professional goals do you have, in the furtherance of this vision?
On a personal level, it’s always about checking myself first, looking in the mirror before I look to point my finger at another person. We all have subconscious biases that creep up on us, so checking ourselves matter.
On a professional level, it’s at the core of our work. We have to be super aware and sensitive about the fact that we are working with a marginalised and disadvantaged community and sometimes, the simplest action can have a very helpful (or very harmful) consequence on somebody. Being inclusive also means bringing others into the conversation, even those who may not see eye-to-eye with you. Change starts with someone entertaining a different thought, which can then lead to behaviour change, and doing things differently.”
Follow Deborah on Instagram.
Izzana Salleh
What initially began as a conversation between Izzana and her classmates from the Harvard Kennedy School about inequality and a lack of female representation in politics and positions of leadership has since culminated in the birth of Project Girls 4 Girls. A global non-profit organisation that provides mentoring, training, and networking opportunities for aspiring young female leaders, Project Girls 4 Girls has worked with 10,000 mentees and 1,500 mentors across 26 countries, and aims to train a million future leaders by 2025.
Izzana, its co-founder and Global President, shares her thoughts on why women’s inclusion needs to be better understood and valued:
As someone deeply committed to advancing gender equality, women’s empowerment and their leadership, this year’s International Women’s Day theme resonates profoundly with me. Over the past few years, I have witnessed an inspiring surge of women taking the lead in championing and normalising conversations around inclusion, both in policy formulation and implementation efforts.
Their relentless dedication to breaking barriers and fostering inclusivity has been instrumental in driving positive change. When society fully understands and values women’s inclusion, it not only cultivates a fairer and more equitable world, but also yields tangible benefits supported by impact data.
Embracing and amplifying diverse voices, experiences, and perspectives isn’t just a moral imperative; it’s a strategic imperative for building a better future for all. Let us continue to collaborate, advocate, and empower one another towards a world where everyone has a seat at the table, and every voice is heard.”
What personal and professional goals do you have, in the furtherance of this vision?
The #InspireInclusion theme serves as both a personal and professional compass for me. For me, both those goals are intertwined, especially because the success, empowerment and leadership of women is a very personal cause. I have always been and will continue to be committed to fostering a culture of inclusion within my own spheres of influence, be it through policy advocacy, organisational leadership, or mentorship initiatives.
However, I also recognise the importance of male allies in this journey towards inclusivity. While it’s still not yet a norm to see many men championing the inclusion cause, I hope that as an ecosystem, we can encourage a strong battalion of male allies who share the same passion and commitment for inclusion and the positive impact it has on our country and its economy. It is through collective action and solidarity across genders that we will effectively address the systemic inequalities and inequities that persist. My goal is to contribute to creating a world where everyone, regardless of gender, can thrive and contribute their full potential.
Follow Izzana on Instagram.
Sonya Danita Charles
Sonya was the first model with vitiligo to ever walk the runway in the history of Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week (KLFW), some six years ago. What started with a patch on her skin when she was a little girl turned into a skin condition into her adult years. This beauty battled against bullying and heightened insecurity in her younger years, and now uses her condition to promote body positivity and self-love.
To me, #InspireInclusion means the importance of fostering a diverse and welcoming environment, where everyone feels valued, respected, and included, regardless of differences. It’s about promoting understanding, embracing diversity, and cultivating a sense of belonging for all, regardless of their backgrounds.
As someone who doesn’t fit conventional beauty standards, navigating the modelling industry involved breaking through preconceived notions of what a model should look like. Changing the narrative of beauty standards involved advocating for greater inclusivity, and challenging the industry’s narrow definition of beauty. My journey included collaborating with like-minded individuals and organisations to promote diversity in castings, runway shows, and campaigns. Embracing and celebrating differences became my mission, aiming to redefine beauty beyond traditional stereotypes.
Source: Ravs Studio
What personal and professional goals do you have, in the furtherance of this vision?
Professionally, my goal is to actively advocate for inclusive practices within several fields, ensuring that there are continuous initiatives that support inclusivity and diversity. The quest for greater inclusivity is not just about personal success; it’s about reshaping an industry to reflect on the beauty of humans, promoting acceptance, and fostering a positive image for individuals who have long been underrepresented.
On a personal level, I am committed to expanding my cultural awareness and understanding by actively seeking diverse experiences. This includes attending workshops, participating in community events, and building connections with individuals from various backgrounds. I believe that fostering relationships across cultures is key to breaking down barriers and creating a more inclusive society, both in and outside of the workplace.
Follow Sonya on Instagram.
Sarina Sundara Rajah
Sarina is a former national rhythmic gymnast who advocates for the safety of athletes in Malaysia. Having experienced sexual harassment as a teen, she is the founding president of Safe Sport Malaysia, an NGO dedicated to creating a sports community where participants can train and compete without fear of physical, psychological or sexual misconduct.
She also established the Sarina Rhythmic Gymnastics Club (SRGC), which supports young women and girls through the sport of rhythmic gymnastics, and impactful sport-for-development and empowerment programmes that nurture personal growth.
International Women’s Day is a powerful reminder of the progress made in advancing gender equality, and the work that still lies ahead. We are equipping women and girls with the necessary skills and confidence to become influential leaders and improving their physical and mental well-being to help them lead healthier and more fulfilling lives. We are breaking down barriers and stereotypes to create a more inclusive and equitable society, and inspiring future generations of women and girls to participate in sports by creating more female role models.
What personal and professional goals do you have in furtherance of this vision?
Sports have become an increasingly powerful and socially valuable medium that goes beyond demonstrating athleticism. In positive sporting environments, children feel safe and free to be themselves, allowing them to focus better on training and competition.
Societal understanding and agreement about athletes’ abuse are relatively new. To support our young athletes at SRGC, we educate them on safe and unsafe behaviours (in themselves, and in others), healthy relationships between coaches and themselves, and identifying when a line has been crossed. This knowledge empowers them to confidently assert their right to say “no” to anyone who violates their boundaries, especially those in a position of authority.
At SRGC, while winning is great, it is also about creating meaningful experiences, learning resilience, and upholding values that allow us to be our best selves. One of my aspirations has been to create a female-driven sportsbook that inspires young minds, and fosters a deep appreciation for the achievements and determination of young women and girls in sport.
We want to reach young women and girls in a way that they would enjoy and understand and, hopefully, create a generation of children who believe they can achieve greatness through sport. By supporting their involvement in sports programmes, competitions, and professions, we can create a more inclusive society that values and celebrates diversity.
Follow Sarina on Instagram.
*The contents of these interviews have been edited for clarity and brevity.
In conjunction with International Women’s Day 2024, we are re-highlighting these past articles, which have also featured women we admire in Malaysia:
Four Inspiring Women You Should Read About
Malaysian Women Dominating Sports
