AWAM. ALL WOMEN’S ACTION SOCIETY | (PPRSATUAN PERGERAKAN WANITA, KUALA LUMPUR & SELANGOR)WOMEN AND FAMILY LAW INTRODUCTION There were never so many divorce cases as we witness them today. Has it got to do with moder- nisation? Or with women’s liberation? These arc common statements that many of us have heard. or read as an introduction to an analysis in an article on Marriage in a women’s page in one of our dailies. Such statements have also come from our leaders, religious authorities and elders. There is indeed a growing concern over the breakdown in marriages. It is true that divorce is on the increase. But there are numerous reasons for this broken relationship. Possibly, many women are saying, “Enough is enough”. Many women who have finally come to a decision just can’t take the demand and conflict within their marriage anymore. Instead of being enslaved more and more, women realise their self worth and self esteem, They then make the move for a divorce. This however does not mean that our elders did not have any marital conflict. ‘What possibly did happen was that many of our elders suffered silently. It is beyond our compre- hension the capacity women have in sustaining suffering and sacrifice. Sadly, this capacity has been exploited by men for a very long time. Many women who do want an alternative, do not know the steps one needs,to take for a divorce. Many are ignorant of the law and many fear being alienated by society. Therefore it is crucial that more and more women to women support systems are developed to help women confronted with a broken relationship and a broken marriage. The booklet attempts to analyse the family law and the procedures required for a divorce. The family law unfortunately tends to be developed from the patriachical concept that women is property and man is the provider and protector. Thus, the law needs to be evaluated and ammend- ‘ments made accordingly. If we want change, then we women need to educate ourselves, understand the laws, regulations and procedures. Armed with this and the knowledge that we are equal partners in marriage, we women can begin to help women to make their own decisions. Change is necessary, if we want to live in DIGNITY, FREEDOM AND EQUALITY. 1988: AWAM. ALL WOMEN'S ACTION SOCIETY. (PERSATUAN PERGERAKAN WANITA, KUALA LUMPUR & SELANGOR). All Rights Reserved: No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without the prior permission from the publishers. Publisher: AWAM, 37, Jalan 20/2, Paramount Garden, 46300 Petaling Jaya, Malaysia. Printer: Jutaprin, 54 Jalan Kajang, 10150 Pulau Pinang ‘Text: Irene Fernandez. ARRC Graphics: Mithradir Center " [Asian Regional Resource Cente for Human Ri ights EducalMARKIAGE HAS ALWAYS BEEN CONSIDEREP TO BE THE GEST THING THAT HAPPENS TO A WOMAN. SHE CAN NOW LOOK FORWARD TO LONE BLISs MOTHERHOOD SOvS AND SECURITY But THAT VISION AND HOPE BECINS TO CRUMPLE WitH CONFLICT AND PROBLEMS