12-05-2025
Empowering women to continue: Nancy
Published on: Monday, May 12, 2025
Published on: Mon, May 12, 2025
By: Noor Zafira Zayn Text Size: Toh Puan Faridah (centre) performing the symbolic launch of the 2025 National Mother's Day celebration with Juwairiya (left), Flovia (third left), Nancy (fourth left and Julaih. Kota Kinabalu: The Malaysian government is committed to empowering women, particularly mothers, across all layers of society, said Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri. Speaking at the National Mother's Day Celebration held here on Sunday, Nancy highlighted several ongoing efforts, including the launch of the National Women's Policy 2025–2030, themed 'Uplifting Women, Strengthening the Nation.' 'This year, we've introduced key programmes aimed at supporting women and mothers, including the Single Mother's Care Programme (PROKIT), Single Mother Skills Incubator (IKIT), Mamacare, Wanita Bangkit Programme, 2 Years Exit Programme, Gig@bit, and Volvo Iron Women,' she said. She explained that these initiatives are designed to provide single and unemployed mothers with access to skills training and employment opportunities. 'In terms of health and well-being, the Ministry through the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) offers a variety of services including parenting education, counselling and mental wellness programmes, as well as women's health screenings such as HPV DNA tests and mammogram subsidies,' she added. Nancy also noted that many mothers, especially young mothers under the age of 34, face invisible challenges. 'One-third of women in Malaysia fall into this group. These young mothers have great potential but need holistic support from all quarters. 'A survey held in conjunction with last year's Mother's Day revealed that nine out of ten mothers find motherhood more challenging today due to rising living costs, work-family pressures, financial strain, limited personal time, and the burden of educating their children,' she said. She added that the Malaysian Family Well-being Index 2022 found that modern families are increasingly digitally literate, which requires mothers to be more mindful in guiding their children's use of technology. 'I believe many mothers present here today live through extremely demanding routines: waking up early, working tirelessly, and going to bed late, all to ensure their family's needs are met. 'May all mothers be blessed with strength, health, and happiness in return for their unmatched love and sacrifices,' she said. Present was wife of the Sabah Head of State, Toh Puan Datin Seri Datuk Faridah Tussin, and the wife of the Chief Minister of Sabah, Datin Seri Datuk Juliah Salag. The 2025 National Mother's Day celebration carried the theme 'A Mother's Loving Touch,' recognising mothers as the foundation of nurturing families. Two special recognitions were awarded at the event: the Inspirational Mother Award, presented to Kasmirah Jaafar, a single mother of five and the Iconic Young Mother Award, went to Dayang Nabellah Awang Astillah, a single mother of two. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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