Will new SOPs for mothers discriminate based on gender?

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Concerns Raised Over Potential Gender Discrimination in New SOPs for Mothers

The Joint Action Group for Gender Equality (JAG) has voiced significant concerns that proposed public standard operating procedures (SOPs) to determine a mother's fitness to care for her children may lead to gender discrimination. JAG questions the singular focus on mothers without a parallel framework for evaluating fathers' fitness, suggesting this could reinforce outdated gender roles and potentially disadvantage mothers in custody evaluations. The group advocates for a comprehensive review to ensure any such procedures are equitable and serve the child's best interests.
Focus on Mothers Without Corresponding Procedures for Fathers

JAG has highlighted the absence of similar SOPs for fathers when announcing the intention to publicise procedures for assessing mothers' fitness. This disparity, according to the group, raises questions about gender equality in parenting evaluations. The coalition argues that a child's well-being is a shared responsibility, and any assessment framework should reflect this shared duty rather than disproportionately targeting one parent.
Potential for Discrimination and Gender Role Reinforcement

The coalition explicitly stated that the proposed SOPs could discriminate on the basis of gender and traditional gender roles. By focusing solely on mothers' fitness, these procedures risk perpetuating the notion that childcare is primarily a maternal responsibility, potentially overlooking or devaluing the role of fathers. JAG's statement emphasised that guidelines for parental fitness must not discriminate based on gender.
Call for Inclusive Review and Support Initiatives

In response to these concerns, JAG has called for a thorough and inclusive review of the SOPs. The objective of this review, as articulated by the group, is to guarantee that the procedures are fair, non-discriminatory, and consistently prioritise the best interests of the child. Furthermore, JAG proposed initiatives to support parents, including the possibility of offering parenting classes to both mothers and fathers undergoing such evaluations.
Department of Social Welfare's Role and Appeal Process

JAG urged the Department of Social Welfare to exercise its authority judiciously, ensuring that its actions respect the rights of both parents while maintaining a primary focus on the welfare of the child. The Women, Family and Community Development Minister, Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, indicated that mothers who believe they have been unfairly assessed as "unfit" and subsequently lost custody of their children have the right to file an appeal with the Welfare Department.

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Will new SOPs for mothers discriminate based on gender?

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