Mothers carry heavy load to ensure children's success, says Nancy Shukri
The Women, Family and Community Development Minister said young mothers today must deal with work and family pressures, financial constraints, a lack of personal time, and the burden of responsibility for their children's education.
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"Mothers must also be more cautious and balanced, especially when guiding their children on the use of technology," she reminded in a statement issued on Sunday (May 11) in conjunction with the national-level Mother's Day Celebration for 2025.
Nancy said in light of the current challenges, the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry has introduced the National Women's Policy 2025-2030, themed "Empowering Women, Strengthening the Nation", to support women and mothers across all segments of society in the country.
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She said the policy outlines various initiatives, such as the Kasih Ibu Tunggal programme, a skills incubator for single mothers, MamaCare, the Wanita Bangkit programme, the Two Years Exit programme, Gig@bit, and Volvo Iron Women.
Earlier, Nancy attended the 2025 national-level Mother's Day Celebration, themed "Sentuhan Kasih Ibu", held at the Sabah International Convention Centre here.
The event, organised by the ministry through the National Population and Family Development Board, was officiated by the wife of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sabah, Toh Puan Faridah Tussin. The Sabah Chief Minister's wife, Datin Seri Juliah Salag, also attended the event.
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According to the statement, the 2025 "Anugerah Ibu Inspirasi (Inspirational Mother Award)" was presented to Kasmirah Jaafar, a seamstress from Bekok, Johor, who has spent over half of her life in Sabah.
The award recognises Kasmirah's struggles and sacrifices as a single mother raising five children who became teachers, doctors, and engineers.
This year's Mother's Day celebration also introduced the "Ikon Ibu Muda (Young Mother Icon)" award, which was presented to celebrity Bella Astillah, whose real name is Dayang Ara Nabellah Awang Astillah.
The award honours the "Bella Spirit", recognising the young mother's resilience in using her talents to rise above a challenging past and raise her children with love and care. - Bernama
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Malay Mail
a day ago
- Malay Mail
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Vilashini acknowledged that such ideas may be difficult for institutions to accept, as many still cling to traditional frameworks. 'But the concept is changing among youths,' she said. 'So if institutions fail to recognise that, I think we are failing to recognise the policy change that needs to follow.' Universiti Malaya senior lecturer Vilashini Somiah speaks at a forum organised by the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) in conjunction with World Population Day at Lanai Kijang, Kuala Lumpur. July 21, 2025. — Picture by Sayuti Zainudin Family by choice She gave examples of new family forms: couples who marry but choose not to have children; individuals who adopt without marrying; and youths who see meaningful lives beyond marriage and parenthood. She said some religious bodies continue to debate about the idea of married couples who do not want to have children, but there is no conclusive answer yet. With youths living in a digital world that shapes their understanding of the world, she said institutions need to understand this nuance. She added that only then can effective policies be developed to help young Malaysians understand their roles and responsibilities to the country. Before speaking about the evolving concept of 'family', Vilashini noted that many young people still wish to have children, but face financial pressures and uncertainty about their future. The UN view: Include everyone UNFPA Malaysia Country Representative Dr Julitta Onabanjo says there should be a nuanced and inclusive understanding of the word 'family'. — Picture by Sayuti Zainudin United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Malaysia country representative Dr Julitta Onabanjo said the definition of family must also reflect these changing realities. 'I think the family is fundamental. 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She gave the example of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), who may be infertile but can still contribute meaningfully to society and family life. 'This is a shared responsibility, it has to be done hand in hand,' she said. 'If people don't see themselves as being able to help the government, rather than the government directing them, then we are not going to have effective policies.'
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Borneo Post
Fatimah leads welfare effort for orphaned siblings in Mukah
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Borneo Post
6 days ago
- Borneo Post
Bintulu's new transit centre for homeless set to open in October
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