With reference to “Final March to a Million”, ( Ipoh Echo, August 16-31), out of curiosity, I went to find out more about the stars from Ms Yip Siew Keen, the Secretary of Perak Women for Women (PWW).
A million stars to end the violence was inspired by a Brisbane-based artist, Maryann Talia Pau to encourage everyone to end violence. The project was created as her personal response to the rape-murder of Jill Meagher in 2012.
Since then it has grown into an international weaving movement, and PWW would certainly reach their target of million stars by the time this piece is published.
Looking back into the mishaps in our society in Perak, a few weeks ago an Indonesian woman aged, 23, lodged a report claiming she was raped by a State Executive Council Member. Last December, a 66-year-old man from Kuala Kangsar had been detained by the police for raping his 34-year-old daughter-in-law. While in Kamunting, 10 teenagers aged between 15 to 17 claimed trial for raping a 12-year-old girl. Even some students in a religious school in Manjoi were not spared, there were police reports on sexual assault (sodomy) from a celebrity preacher.
Last year, statistics released by the Royal Malaysian Police on the number of rape cases in Perak claimed 73 cases and there are others which were not reported to the authorities.
Hence, it’s important that every man understands the cycle of violence. Not all disrespect towards women results in violence. But all violence against women starts with disrespectful behaviour.
To end men’s violence against women, all must stand up, speak out and act to stop domestic violence and abuse.
These million stars represent light, courage and solidarity to end all forms of violence. This campaign is a timely move by Perak Women for Women that all Malaysians should support.
S. Sundralingam
