The Federation of Reproductive Health Associations, Malaysia (FRHAM) and the International Planned Parenthood Federation East & South East Asia and Oceania Region (IPPF ESEAOR) express deep concern and sadness over the recent reports of gender-based violence in Malaysian schools, involving school-aged girls. These incidents highlight a worsening crisis in youth development: one deeply rooted in systemic gender inequality and harmful socio-cultural norms.
FRHAM and IPPF ESEAOR emphasise that these recent reports of femicide and violence are not isolated. They are pressing symptoms of broader societal challenges, highlighting the loss of empathy, and the consequences of harmful gender norms. We are witnessing the harmful rise of online subcultures such as the “red-pill” and “incel” movements, which glorify misogyny, dominance, and violence, while simultaneously dehumanizing and demeaning women and girls, and promoting unrealistic, stereotypical gender roles. These ideologies, when coupled with a systemic lack of support for our youths, can create a volatile and dangerous environment where young people struggle to form healthy identities, manage emotions or resolve conflict constructively.
FRHAM and IPPF ESEAOR call for the nationwide implementation of age appropriate and culturally sensitive Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) throughout adolescence. We continue to strongly advocate, as we have done for decades, for the implementation of this proven, rights-based approach that helps young people understand bodily autonomy, consent, and gender equality. CSE nurtures gender-positive attitudes and values such as empathy, consent, respect, emotional regulation and healthy relationships. CSE also fosters critical thinking and resilience, which, in turn, empower our young people to reject toxic narratives and harmful online influences and to seek support from appropriate sources. In addition, we emphasise that young people must be at the centre of this conversation. We must ensure substantive and meaningful participation of young people in all interventions, policies, and laws designed for them.
We also urge a societal, united response that prioritizes gender equality and the prevention, education and enforcement against gender-based violence (GBV), which includes the creation of safe spaces in schools through health education and counselling support for students, fostering empathy, communication, and digital literacy at home and prevent the spread of misogynistic and violent content online targeting youth.
In the face of these heartbreaking and horrible tragedies, FRHAM and IPPF ESEAOR express our sympathies and condolences to the parents, families, teachers and students for their untimely losses and pain. Safeguarding our nation’s future starts with investing in the physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being of our youth today.
We stand ready to provide our expertise and support to work towards a better future with the government, educators, and civil society to strengthen community-based interventions and promote holistic education that nurtures emotional intelligence, respect, and equality. All spaces, from homes to classrooms, must be safe for all.
