10/03/2025

MONDAY | MAR 10, 2025

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Breaking free from societal pressure I T started with a meme in my inbox. A passing digital joke that landed with unsettling accuracy. Midway through writing about women in than men to have their looks commented on. Even in campaigns celebrating women in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), the featured scientists often appear

STEM for International Women’s Day, this post derailed the focus: “Being a woman is hard… You always want to buy something, lose weight and eat something sweet.” The comment section was flooded with agreement. In 2025, when women are leading nations and driving innovation, it is telling that the most relatable online sentiment remains tied to consumerism, weight and beauty. Have we truly moved forward or have insecurities simply been rebranded? The contradiction is glaring. Women are breaking glass ceilings yet societal expectations remain rigid. Body positivity campaigns have reshaped marketing, social media influencers champion self-love and hashtags like #EffYourBeautyStandards go viral. Yet, beneath this progress, statistics paint a troubling picture. A 2023 American Psychological Association survey revealed that 78% of women aged 18 to 35 experience immense pressure to conform to beauty norms. The cosmetic industry is set to reach US$136 billion (RM600 billion) by 2025 while diet culture thrives, with nearly half of women admitting to near constant dieting. The standards may shift but scrutiny remains. Where thinness was once the ultimate goal, today’s expectations centre on being “toned” or “curvy in the right places”. Industries built on female insecurity, like beauty, fitness and wellness, profit from dissatisfaction, promoting an endless cycle of self-improvement. Entire markets depend on women feeling inadequate. Media reinforces these expectations. While female representation in film has increased, appearances still dominate the conversation. A 2024 study found that female characters are far more likely ALTHOUGH women in Malaysia have made significant strides these last few years, with many holding high positions in government and private sectors, there is still one area of great concern. Sadly, many cases of sexual harassment against women still get swept under the carpet, and in some cases, the victim is the one who is punished. This is evident in cases where the perpetrator is someone of high rank or position and abuses his powers to take advantage of the helpless, weaker sex. This has been the case for many years and sadly as we celebrate International Women’s Day, such incidents are still prevalent. It has reached a point where some women prefer to suffer in silence knowing that they will not get justice even if they report incidents. There is still a great lack of awareness when it comes to the area of sexual harassment, and despite efforts by the government, NGOs and others, there is plenty that needs to be done.

impeccably styled, reinforcing the message that intellect alone is insufficient. Generational responses to these pressures vary. Gen Z rejects traditional diet culture – 43% identify as body positive, yet they battle new challenges. Beauty filters distort self-perception while “clean eating” trends moralise food choices. Older women face different yet equally insidious pressures, with constant marketing of anti-ageing products that promote the idea of “ageing gracefully”. The consequences go beyond self esteem. A 2022 Lancet study linked unattainable beauty standards to increasing rates of anxiety and eating disorders. The financial burden is significant, too; women spend 300% more on grooming than men, according to a Mintel report – money that could be directed towards education, travel or savings. Even professional achievements are filtered through appearance, with headlines often emphasising looks over talent. Breaking this cycle requires systemic change, not just viral slogans. Media must move away from reducing women to their bodies and instead depict them in diverse and unfiltered ways. Campaigns like #WomenWhoDon’tWait push brands to portray women beyond traditional beauty tropes. Some governments are responding. France has banned influencers from promoting cosmetic surgery while California is considering a law requiring disclaimers on retouched images. Advocacy groups are pushing for taxes on extreme cosmetic procedures to fund mental health initiatives. As a former employee, I have personally witnessed such incidents. I understand that companies want to protect their image and identity, but no organisation should do this at the expense of an employee. In many of these cases, the victims are punished while the perpetrators go unpunished, and this is where the law is sadly lacking. As a woman, I feel deeply saddened when I read of such cases. In conjunction with International Women’s Day, I would like to appeal to oganisations to do what is right – even if it means penalising someone of high rank or position. Sexual harassment must stop now, and women must be treated as equals in all aspects. In this day and age, there is no longer room for such disparity, and as the nation progresses, sexual harassment must be a thing of the past. Azura Mohd Isham Subang Jaya

“Women may have gained rights and recognition, yet the conversation still circles back to their bodies. This does not

Women are breaking glass ceilings yet societal expectations remain rigid.

Education is crucial. Schools in Sweden and Australia now equip students with tools to analyse advertising and social media, fostering resilience against harmful messaging. The #DropTheRope movement encourages women to disengage from conversations about appearance. What if women were simply allowed to exist without scrutiny? As International Women’s Day is observed, the irony of the meme lingers. Women may have gained rights and recognition, yet the conversation still circles back to their bodies. This does not have to be the future. The challenge is shifting the focus from losing weight to losing outdated expectations. It is not about rejecting beauty, fashion or self-care, but ensuring that they are choices, not compulsions. The mirror should reflect reality, not dictate it. The desire to look good is not

My wife, a teacher like me, worked her way up to become a headteacher and took hold of leadership roles in the community she served. Most of the schools she headed were in remote estates without basic necessities. She dedicated herself to improving the lives of the children in the estates. She held meetings with departmental and community heads to ensure the well-being of the school children. She initiated projects and programmes to upgrade the schools she led, juggling her time to find a balance between family and work. It was no easy feat. Now retired, she looks back on her career with fond memories of her accomplishments. I am truly blessed to be part of the lives of these two remarkable women of substance and greatness. Samuel Yesuiah Seremban inherently wrong but the real question is: Are we doing it for ourselves or because of societal pressure? If beauty standards are making us feel inadequate, pushing us into endless cycles of self-improvement or dictating our self-worth, then it is worth a re evaluation. Pursuing appearance-related goals should be a choice, not an obligation. If looking good brings confidence and joy, do it, but on your terms, not because industries profit from your insecurities. The goal should be autonomy, not conformity. Happy International Women’s Day. DrBhavani Krishna Iyer holds a doctorate in English literature. Her professional background encompasses teaching, journalism and public relations. She is currently pursuing a second master’s degree in counselling. Comments: letters@thesundaily.com

have to be the future.”

Honouring the women who empowered my journey

LETTERS letters@thesundaily.com Time to end sexual harassment in Malaysia

INTERNATIONAL Women’s Day has been celebrated on March 8 every year since 1975 to honour women and raise awareness about gender equality. It is a day to recognise the cultural, political, social and economic achievements of women. This day serves as an opportunity to inspire efforts to end gender biases and discrimination, and to work towards achieving gender equality. Women are the backbone of families and communities, and I am privileged to share the stories of two such women I have seen excel in their domain. Women provide care and support, and nurture their families, which are essential elements for the development of children. My late mother is a testament to a woman who loved her family deeply. Her entire life was centred around us. She made sure there was always food on the table and that we had

enough, even with my dad’s modest salary as a government clerk. She was the financial planner for our household expenses, and it was no easy feat managing three growing-up boys in Sentul. There were days when she would go without meals so that we could have extra helpings. She was our counsellor, comforter and adviser. A God fearing woman, she instilled values and morals in us, teaching us right from wrong. Her faith shone through in her kindness and generosity to the less fortunate. She loved people unconditionally and had a captivating smile that reflected the depth of her love. We are who we are today because of her love, prayers and sacrifice. She is, was and will always be the greatest woman in our lives. Women also play a significant role in community building and often take on leadership roles within community organisations.