Through our work, we ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person can fulfil their potential. To propel Malaysia towards attaining its key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in under a decade, we aim to work with the government on key policies and programmes that will help bridge social & developmental gaps when it comes to areas of gender equality, sexual and reproductive health and rights, healthy ageing, youth empowerment, maternal health, family planning and the uplifting of vulnerable populations.
1. Population Data Collection & Analysis
UNFPA supports the incorporation of population dynamics in policy and programme planning. We conduct population situation analyses for Malaysia that feeds into the country’s population policy review addressing the country’s changing demographics, population ageing and sexual and reproductive health agenda, working in close collaboration with the Population Studies Unit of University of Malaya and the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN).
2. Healthy Ageing / Positive Ageing
UNFPA’s advocacy on healthy ageing has led to its inclusion in the 11th Malaysia Plan. Together with the Malaysian Research Institute on Ageing (MyAgeing™), UNFPA continues to promote policies and community collaboration as a sustainable measure to address the growing ageing issues in Malaysia.
3. Maternal Health & Family Planning
Since 1973, UNFPA has been closely working with multiple Malaysian Ministries and social organisations to continually boost and enhance Maternal Health Standards with specialised training modules as well as the access and availability of maternal healthcare and essential services, especially for the more vulnerable population. At the same time, UNFPA supports family planning by increasing access to essential information, services and quality healthcare. These include supporting Malaysia’s approach towards family planning via evidence-based policies that take into account gender equality, economic wellbeing, legislation and the availability of essential to support services.
4. Sexual & Reproductive Health & Rights
UNFPA works to promote sexual and reproductive health and rights for women and girls in collaboration with multiple ministries including the Ministry of Health as well as the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) and other relevant partners. This entails learning to work within culturally sensitive ways that take into account Malaysia’s Muslim majority population and the sensitivities around reproductive health and rights.
5. Ending Gender Based Violence and Harmful Practices
UNFPA continues to work towards bridging gaps between the social consciousness and legislative foundations essential for ending harmful practices and social norms via the creation of specialized engagement and awareness platforms. We partner with key Malaysian Ministries, agencies and Civil Society Organisations to outline solutions, roadmaps and public awareness towards ending harmful practices and any and all forms of gender based violence. This includes bringing together multiple stakeholders, including government enforcement and health sector agencies to develop an integrated multi-agency Health Sector Response system to assist and protect survivors.
6. Gender Equality
Working closely with key Ministries, and agencies alongside the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development, UNFPA advocates and provides solutions and roadmaps towards removing all social, legal and economic barriers towards equality for Malaysia’s women and girls. These also include working with Parliamentarians, Civil Society and Non-Governmental entities to develop responses and infrastructure to deal with Gender Based Violence, Unpaid Care work, Harmful Practices and discrimination via community mobilization frameworks and promoting appropriate monitoring mechanisms.
