Is Majalah Dara's Save Your Virginity Campaign Sending The Right Message?
A female magazine launched a "Save Your Dara (Virginity)" campaign to promote sexual abstinence targeted at young Malaysian girls to address the issues of increasing unwanted pregnancies and free sex amongst young Malaysians.
By Hew Lee Yee — 02 Feb 2015, 11:22 AM — Updated almost 10 years ago
On Friday, 30 January, “Save Your Dara Campaign” was launched at the Karangkraf Carnival 2015 to promote sexual abstinence amongst young girls
The two-day corporate social responsibility campaign, which was launched by National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) director-general Datuk Dr Siti Norlasiah Ismail at the Karangkraf Carnival 2015 on Friday, is to raise awareness on protecting one’s chastity to avoid the risk of getting involved social ills.
themalaymailonline.com
Majalah Dara, the magazine behind the campaign, aimed to raise awareness as well as educate young girls on the need to protect their virginity
Launched by the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN), the campaign is in response to the spike in unwanted pregnancies and casual sex, of which the magazine attributed to chastity problems amongst young Malaysian girls
The magazine behind a campaign highlighting the merits of sexual abstinence has blamed unwanted pregnancies and free sex on chastity issues among young Malaysian girls.
It’s purpose was to raise awareness among young girls regarding the need to protect one’s chastity in light of the increasing cases of unwanted pregnancies in the country.
THE problem of teenagers becoming pregnant out of wedlock has reached worrying levels, with the nation recording 1,048 such cases from January to March last year. This translates into an average of 12 teen pregnancies a day.
While the figures paint a grim picture, it is even more alarming considering that Malaysia is on track to record its highest number of teen pregnancies in four years.
nst.com.my
Although the intention of the Save Your Dara Campaign was noble, the execution and approach in the campaign doesn't seem to sit quite right with some people
uh, for a 'well-intentioned' campaign, #saveyourdara is quite the unfortunate name. I get that it's Majalah Dara yang anjurkan, but...
— Anne Liyana (@nadinelyanna) January 30, 2015
This campaign is a very bad approach! Shows disrespect to our girls out there. #SaveYourDaraCampaign
— Alex Chandran (@chandran_alex) January 30, 2015
The female-targeted campaign came under fire on Twitter under the hashtag #SaveYourDaraCampaign
According to the Malay Mail Online, the “Save Your Dara (Virginity) Campaign” was launched by Majalah Dara, a subsidiary of the Karangkraf Group, that is promoting the campaign as a “guide” for campus students and young adults venturing into the job market.
It is targeted at young girls 16 to 25 years old.
Many have pointed out that sexism is being perpetrated and questioned why it was only directed at women
2.I find it disturbing that a popular woman's magazine approved sexist #saveyourdaracampaign #CintaHalalItuIndah #KeepItHalal #saveyourdara
— Azira (@ladymissazira) January 30, 2015
The only thing wrong with the #SaveYourDaraCampaign is that it ought to use 'virginity' instead coz the campaign should apply to guys too.
— driz (@izyanizulkifli) February 1, 2015
Why each time such campaigns focus on girls only? So man are angels? #SaveYourDaraCampaign
— Alex Chandran (@chandran_alex) January 30, 2015
Is it fair to only hold girls accountable when sex education in Malaysia is focused on abstinence and barely discuss the practice of safe sex?
In a move that seems somewhat myopic, the government’s new sex education module for teenagers aims to prevent teen pregnancies by teaching them how to identify and avoid “risky behaviour.” “Modul Pekerti”, the brainchild of the The National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN), will focus on “preventing” students from engaging in any sexual activity.
But when asked whether the module would also teach teenagers about “safe sex” and the proper use of contraceptives, Dr Hamizah said only a small section of the module would focus on that. “The module is about preventing sex. We do talk about safe sex, but the demonstration of how to wear a condom for example is not allowed in schools,” she explained.
themalaymailonline.com
This further reinforces the blame culture and takes all responsibilities away from men. Instead, many would have preferred to see Majalah Dara promoting female empowerment.
3.This perpuates victim-blaming, tht women must protect/guard themselves always w/o any responsibilty attributed to men. #saveyourdara
— Azira (@ladymissazira) January 30, 2015
Dear @MajalahDara I hope u guys promote women empowerment in #SaveYourDaraCampaign cause women need to be more confident in making decisions
— Gadis Bulan (@yuffiesilver) January 30, 2015
#SaveYourDaraCampaign is ironically introduced by Ministry of Women. Didn't know their job was to perpetuate oppression of women.
— Jin Shern (James) (@JamesJSChai) January 31, 2015
There were also criticisms that the campaign seemed like a scheme to promote the women's magazine
Seriously. Let's be fair. #SaveYourDaraCampaign is initiated by @MajalahDara, a two pronged promotional strategy to also promote their brand
— Asrul Muzaffar (@asrulmm) January 30, 2015
#SaveYourDaraCampaign is perhaps just a cheap ploy to save Dara mag from closing, that’s all IMHO
— Zurairi AR (@zurairi) January 30, 2015
#SaveYourDaraCampaign is a company-initiated, product-specific brand promotion. Let's not uplift it to the level of a national crusade.
— Saad B Johan (@saadbjohan) January 30, 2015
On the other hand, attendees of the event, felt that the campaign provided information that were beneficial and educational to teenagers
Despite the backlash, the campaign appeared to have gained the sought attention as it drew encouraging feedback from those who had attended the carnival. According to a video posted by Sinar on YouTube, participants interviewed found the programmes to be beneficial and empowering.
“Teenagers gained plenty information and a lot of importance was given to how we carry ourselves, how we dressed to not arouse men,” said Nur Shahirah Ali.
Another participant identified as Nur Lia Muhd added that the scope of the campaign should be widened to involve more teenagers as the activities organised effectively covered issues affecting the youth, especially on sexual promiscuity.
themalaymailonline.com
Twitter user Idris also defended the intention of the campaign and praised the effort to recognise the subject of free sex and not just sweeping it under the rug
I don't think the #SaveYourDaraCampaign is a bad idea. It educates young women about the harms of free sex.
— Idris (@Aidris28) January 31, 2015
They just have to change the name of the campaign and the hashtag. #SaveYourDaraCampaign
— Idris (@Aidris28) January 31, 2015
I am proud of this nation to at least recognise the subject of free sex. Rather than just ignore it. #SaveYourDaraCampaign
— Idris (@Aidris28) January 31, 2015
Does the "Save You Dara Campaign" just have an unfortunate name and misunderstood with its message misconstrued? Or was it as sexist and ignorant some say it was? Are people judging too much?
