Period spot checks: Awam calls for clarity on punitive action, survivor redress

 

The All Women’s Action Society (Awam) applauded the Education Ministry’s issuance of the circular on Nov 2 prohibiting the practice of physical period spot checks in educational institutions under its jurisdiction.

However, the group said there is a need for clearer directives on reporting mechanisms, actions taken against perpetrators and survivor redress.

"All state education departments and district education offices were called on to conduct continuous checks in the ministry's educational institutions, and it was announced that serious action will be immediately taken against any educational institution that conducts period spot checks.

"This circular, however, does not specify the types of penalties and rehabilitative actions that would be taken against figures of authority who either conduct period spot checks or instruct others (especially students) to do so," said Awam in a statement.

Earlier this week, Malaysiakini reported a ministry source confirming the circular from the Education Ministry director-general to all state education department heads, stating: “The ministry takes this matter seriously and stresses that it should not happen.”

However, in an official capacity, the ministry has remained tight-lipped on the matter, with its minister Mohd Radzi Jidin and his officials failing to respond to numerous requests for clarification.

Awam said that to ensure that period spot checks are effectively addressed, there must be clear and transparent guidelines on the following:

1. reporting mechanisms available to the survivor and whistleblower
2. investigative processes that will subsequently be undertaken
3. channels of redress such as counselling are instrumental

It said that in order to develop these, the Education Ministry only needs to emulate from the detailed flowcharts outlining procedures of handling rape and teenage pregnancy cases, which can be found in its 2011 guidelines of management of cases of sexual harassment among students and make corresponding changes that take the current educational context into account.

"Briefings should then be conducted with and within all state education departments and district education offices on a regular basis to entrench institutional awareness of these guidelines," said Awam.

It also questioned that while the circular would apply to national and national-type schools, there are many educational institutions that are under the jurisdiction of state religious departments and governments such as religious schools, Mara colleges under the Rural Development Ministry, and private schools.

"The Education Ministry should engage and work with these stakeholders in ensuring that the necessary measures and directives to stop period spot checks are implemented," added Awam.

Earlier, Sisters In Islam (SIS) had also questioned whether the Education Ministry’s recent circular on the prohibition of period spot checks in schools will be applicable to other institutions outside its purview.

Awam reminded the ministry that period spot checks are a part of a deeply entrenched culture of sexual harassment in educational institutions - a culture that is reinforced by a lack of respect for one’s physical boundaries, consent and human dignity.

"Inculcation of awareness of the aforementioned values and gender sensitivity among all figures of authority in schools is important in ensuring that educational institutions no longer produce younger generations that are either traumatised by or support violence," said Awam in calling for regular training on sexual harassment and gender sensitivity among teachers, counsellors and higher-level school management.

The issuance of the circular followed a visit by Radzi to the ERT Vocational College in Setapak, Kuala Lumpur, following allegations that period spot checks had been conducted.

A source said that about 30 other girls aged 18 or 19 were rounded up at around 7.50pm on Oct 18, given cotton buds and were told to "prove" they were on their period.

Various groups and public figures - including Awam, Azalina Othman Said, Rafidah Aziz, Anwar Ibrahim, Hannah Yeoh, Teo Nie Ching, Kasthuri Patto, Fadhlina Sidek and Maszlee Malik - have also called for the ministry’s action on the matter since the incidents were first reported by Malaysiakini in April.

In June, Radzi said the Education Ministry was in the final stages of forming an independent committee to look into existing procedures that addressed complaints on the practice of period spot checks in schools, as well as other related matters.

Key details on the probe’s committee have yet to be disclosed to the public. Malaysiakini has sent more than 10 enquiries on this matter without receiving a response. -Mkini