NUTP will continue to pursue women issues particularly concerning teachers. A comprehensive programme will be drawn to overcome several issues faced by women teachers and specific plans to tackle these problems by 2007. Some of the major problems faced by Malaysian teachers include:-
1 .Transfer of wives far away from husband.
2. Lack of Promotion for women teachers to decision making post.
3. Unfair treatment of some Department Officials concerning women issues:-
• Application for sick leave
• Maternity Protection
• Transfer claims
• Time off to breastfeed children
• Child care centers
• Unsympathetic towards women and problems
• Work stress
• Proper guidance and advice
Unfriendly working environment
NUTP is worried about the present trend of female graduates who are leaving the profession merely out of frustration to some extend unfriendly atmosphere including pressure of work, not family friendly and extensive working hours.
Many women teachers had entered the profession having certain expectation which includes flexi-working hours and friendly attitude. However, at present, some teachers are forced to work extensive hours including Saturdays and in during holidays. Some are forced to quit because of pressure of work. The situation has been made worse for women teachers posted to work in rural areas including East Malaysia.
Malaysia has a teaching population of 350,000 of which 190,000 are women.
Low participation of women at decision making level and at senior positions are major problem to be tackled.
There has been great concern of lower level of selection of women teachers as State Directors of Education, District Education Officers and Head Teachers. Women make up 60% of teachers. However only 5% women promoted at decision making level.
NUTP will continue to hold dialogue with Ministry of Education and Ministry of Women Affairs on the following issues:-
i) Transfer of wives far away from husband.
ii) Promotion for women teachers on decision making post.
NUTP wants to hold a women's convention in early 2006 to push forward Women's Teacher's Agenda which would highlight and find solution to problems faced by women.The areas of concern include:-
a. Unfriendly working conditions
b. Lack of awareness of women/teachers rights
c. Lack of institutional support
d. Stereotyping the role of men and women
e. Issues with regard to marriage, transfers and institutional support
f. Single parent
g.Good working Environment h. Unfriendly Laws for Teachers
