KUCHING: It is crucial for everyone to work together in ensuring the wellbeing of senior citizens in these challenging times, regardless of the outcome of the 15th general election (GE15), says a non-governmental organisation (NGO).
Sarawak Women for Women Society (SWWS) president Dr Angie Garet said many developed countries had provided domiciliary care services for a long time, to help elderly persons continue living independently at home.
“Thus, it is high time Malaysia move toward that direction and ensure that all in need, not just the affluent have the access to such home care services or needed support.”
She was commenting on DAP candidate Dr Kelvin Yii, who is defending his Bandar Kuching seat, who recently said that the government must assist the elderly to live with dignity and independently while getting sufficient healthcare support.
According to Dr Yii, about 32 per cent of voters in Bandar Kuching, were aged 61 years and above; thus, a care economy would also help boost the female labour participation rate as women were often made to be informal caregivers to their parents and children.
Angie said the care economy as stated by Pakatan Harapan (including DAP) in their 15th general election (GE15) election manifesto was a very interesting proposal.
“But, whatever the outcome of the election, we need to work together to address the issue of ageing society or population as well as to support the women,” she stressed.
“A care economy could definitely assist women in many ways as it is women who shoulder the lion’s share of care often at high personal and economic sacrifice.”
For instance, she said, many elder women lacked Employees Provident Fund (EPF) contributions and faced poverty in their old age as they had not had opportunities to work outside their homes when they were young.
In addition to helping women have a better work-life-balance, Angie said developing the care sector could provide much-needed skilled jobs.
“However, we should not perpetuate gender stereotypes. The care economy can be a means of employment for men as well as women and should provide attractive pay and conditions, including a commitment to enhance skills.”
