Chapter 3 - Report of the Research and Policy Development Group The Commission is of the view that the cap on maternity leave may limit a woman’s reproductive rights.3 In addition, most employers in the private sector have retained the 60day leave period. The Commission calls upon the Government to reconsider the cap on the total number of days for maternity leave and to ensure that the 90-day period is extended to women in the private sector. (vii) Women’s participation in the work force While the Commission notes the increase in the number of women professionals in the work force, it is of the view that more effort should be made to ensure that the participation of women is equal and fair particularly in economics, politics and the Judiciary. Efforts should be intensified to ensure a reasonable proportion of women at the decision-making level in the public and private sectors. (viii) Trafficking of women and girls The National Action Plan (2010-2015) against trafficking in persons has seen the establishment of an Anti-Trafficking in Persons Council under the Home Ministry. The Council continues to coordinate implementation of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and AntiSmuggling of Migrants Act 2007; and formulate policies and programmes to prevent and combat related offences. The Commission recommends that awareness-raising among all levels of the society, in particular women and children, is stepped up. International, regional and multi-agency cooperation must be strengthened and expanded due to the cross-border nature of human trafficking.4 The Commission would like the human rights of victims to be guaranteed from the moment they are rescued, and during their rehabilitation and re-integration into society. (ix) Rights of single mothers At its seminar on single mothers on 20 October 2010, the Commission had noted the difficulties in transferring the ownership of houses built under the Public Housing Project and People’s Housing Project to widowed single mothers. The Commission has recommended that the policy be reviewed. The Government should also see to it that additional public housing units are built nationwide, including in rural and remote areas of Sabah and Sarawak. The Government should also set up affordable and accessible childcare facilities for working parents, including single mothers, especially in the lower income group. There is currently a lack of day-care centres for children, particularly for those with disabilities, at the workplace. 3 4 A total of 300 days of maternity leave may limit the number of children that a working mother may have. Human Rights Commission of Malaysia, Chapter 7: Trafficking of Women, Report on the Status of Women’s Rights in Malaysia, p51 77