After 56 years, what do women still want?

As the nation celebrates the 56th Merdeka today and soon, its 50th ‘birthday’ on Sept 16, still we ask: what do women want?

A dipstick survey by Astro AWANI found that it was often the simple things in life, such as physical and financial security.

And a common theme that continues to stay in the backdrop is ‘equality’. Because despite coming a long way since independence, the rights of the fairer sex is still a cause to fight for, even for women in this day and age.

“It’s always been the same, either if it was 1957 or 2013, I think women want to be recognized as equal partners in development in the family, in nation building,” said women’s rights activist Ivy Josiah.

The executive director of Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO) said it has been a long and hard battle for women to claim rights such as equal pay, access to education, laws against violence, equal guardianship.

“Almost every right we gained in law, was because women have come together to claim them and it was not given to us on a silver plater. Some times it’s easy, other times is difficult.”

Ivy said Malaysia was one of the first country in the Asia Pacific region to have a domestic violence law, but that single achievement does not mean the public can be complacent.

“Leadership spaces is still very very small. I look at Singapore and the way respond to rape is far far better. We seem to have fewer and fewer women in cabinet positions. Women are feeling vulnerable in this climate of crime. I fear what we have gained, we will lose..."

Aside from having more political will, Ivy noted that a survey over 70 countries showed that “the only way women are going to gain more rights is through independent civil society movements”.

Meanwhile, here are some of the comments when the question is posed on social media.

On Facebook, Lind Shah said that she would like more safety and security for women and their loved ones.

“Crime-control from the authorities in all areas (not just at areas already hit with crime or sensation-ed in the news).

Eileen Ng said:“(Women want) Better security. Lower cost of living. Cheaper and decent sized properties at urban areas. I also welcome hot hunks and money to fall from the sky."

Another comment from, Anisah Shurfa, was: “If it is just one thing:I want all work places to provide nurseries for working mothers.”

"More government policies which support those who are childless, unmarried but still have dependents to take care off I.E. Elderly parents, useless siblings," said Gabey Goh.

Emily Ng, who designs shoes, said: "Woman want to be given equal opportunities in terms of career progression. They want to take on bigger responsibilities and decision making roles."

"Women want to feel empowered and receive respect and recognition especially in fields dominated by men

woman need to juggle many hats from being a mother, home maker , wife and their career..and they want more shoes hahahah," Ng told Astro AWANI.

Meanwhile, the same question attraction some male responses:

"I guess mine would be better education for the kids, not messing it around every few years..." said Ooi Mo Han, who teaches.

Azizul Rahman commented: "To live without fear", while Arthur Chua Kok Keong wrote: "To decide their own fate..."