Latest news with #Women
Borneo Post
37 minutes ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Dalat a model for rural education success, says Fatimah
Fatimah (centre) presents a financial study aid to a student in Dalat today. DALAT (July 16): Dalat is fast becoming a model of success in Sarawak's rural education efforts, where strategic, data-driven policies are being used to tackle poverty and widen access to higher learning. State Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, said the Dalat constituency has shown that well-targeted financial aid and strong community involvement can transform lives and strengthen local development. She revealed that Since 2010, the Dalat Education Committee has disbursed RM952,050 in aid, benefitting over 1,800 students pursuing certificate, diploma, degree and other higher education programmes. 'This is not just financial assistance, this is an investment in our children's future and in Dalat's socio-economic development. 'Education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty, and we must ensure that every child who earns a place at university has the means to go,' she said during the N.56 Dalat Education Committee Assistance Presentation Ceremony at the Dalat Service Centre here today. Fatimah said the aid, drawn from Minor Rural Project (MRP) allocations, aims to reduce the financial burden on families—particularly for upfront costs such as travel, deposits and essential supplies. 'Sometimes students don't even enrol because of financial constraints, even after receiving a university offer. That should never happen,' she said. Looking ahead, Fatimah announced that her ministry will meet this week with the State Development Office (SDO) and local community leaders to verify and update national poverty data under the eKasih system for Dalat. 'This is to ensure that our aid reaches the right people. We don't want outdated or inaccurate data. We'll work with village chiefs and community leaders to clean the list and identify those truly in need,' she said. She noted that this grassroots verification method had been effective in addressing hardcore poverty, and would now be applied to target relative poverty in the district. Fatimah also expressed concern about the rising number of unemployed graduates returning home, saying many had pursued fields that are no longer in demand. To address this mismatch, she said the Sarawak government will begin offering free higher education at state-owned institutions starting in 2026, but only for courses with strong job prospects such as science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), law, and finance. 'Graduates must not only obtain degrees, they must be employable. This is why we are focused on guiding students toward fields with strong job prospects,' she said. She also revealed that her team is working with the Resident's Office to identify unemployed graduates in Dalat, with plans to organise a job fair or training initiatives in collaboration with agencies such as the Social Security organisation (Perkeso). Among the education assistance available is the Sarawak Special Financial Aid of RM1,200 per year disbursed in two instalments via Yayasan Sarawak. Graduates who return to Sarawak after completing their studies are also eligible for a one-off RM300 grant, claimable twice. Fatimah urged all eligible students to apply, while reminding them of the sacrifices made by their families. 'We eat simply so our children can dream big. We hope our students remember this and stay motivated to succeed, not only for themselves but for their families and community,' she said. She reaffirmed her ministry's commitment to ensuring fair access to education and creating meaningful opportunities for rural youth. 'This is a long-term investment in Dalat's future. We want our children to succeed, come back, contribute, and lift their families and our community to greater heights,' she said. Dalat fatimah abdullah rural education
The Sun
5 hours ago
- The Sun
2,467 domestic violence cases reported in Malaysia this year
PETALING JAYA: A total of 2,467 domestic violence cases were reported nationwide as of April this year, following 7,116 cases recorded in 2024, according to police data. Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad (pic) said Terengganu recorded the highest number of domestic violence cases relative to population, with 379 cases last year. As of April this year, the state reported 104 cases, compared to 130 during the same period in 2024. 'Although there has been a slight decline, the figures still warrant serious attention. Many victims remain hidden, afraid to come forward due to fear, shame, or not knowing where to seek help,' she said during the Women's Well-being Advocacy Programme @Domestic Violence (Aku Wanita@KRT) in Terengganu, today. Noraini stressed that domestic violence is not merely a private issue but a criminal offence and a violation of human rights that silently threatens family well-being. 'Abuse remains widespread and often goes beyond physical harm. Many victims endure emotional, sexual, economic, and psychological abuse, with long-term effects especially on women and children,' she said. She added that the ministry is committed to enhancing policies, laws, and support systems to better reach victims and communities. As part of this effort, the Aku Wanita@KRT programme was created as a strategic platform to raise awareness and empower survivors. 'Through this programme, we explore the many facets of domestic violence with expert input, including stories from survivors who share their experiences to inspire others,' she said. A key feature of the programme is 'K-Chat', a group therapy session involving survivors, trained counsellors, and facilitators to help participants process their trauma and rebuild confidence. On May 17, the Women's Development Department (JPW) organised a 'Let's Speak Up' forum in Papar, Sabah, attended by 700 participants, including 12 facilitators who conducted K-Chat sessions. JPW also runs other advocacy programmes such as MATAHARI, which focuses on emotional resilience; IRIS, which promotes legal literacy and awareness of women's rights; and Skuad WAJA, a volunteer initiative to support and empower women at the grassroots level.
The Star
10 hours ago
- Health
- The Star
Women facing marital problems should use proper channels, says minister
KUALA LUMPUR: Women who are experiencing emotional distress or facing marital problems are advised to seek help and support through proper channels. Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the ministry offered various platforms for assistance which serve as a space for individuals to express their feelings and be directed to appropriate support and intervention. She added that this includes the Talian Kasih 15999 helpline. "We want them to reach out so they can receive advice and guidance on where to go for help. Sometimes they don't know the right channels and end up in the wrong places. "If they are facing depression or other issues, they can call 15999 to pour their feelings, and from there, they will be guided. This is the correct step and platform,' she told reporters after launching the Kasih Ibu Tunggal (KasihnITa) 2025 programme on Tuesday (July 15). She also encouraged women facing issues such as domestic violence to seek help through the One-Stop Social Support Centre (PSSS) under her ministry, which provided counselling and guidance from professionals. PSSS is an initiative by the ministry through the National Welfare Foundation (YKN) that aims to provide immediate assistance to those in need, particularly in addressing psychosocial issues within the community. - Bernama
Express Tribune
13 hours ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
AI chatbot launched for persons with disabilities
The Special Talent Exchange Programme (STEP) has officially launched Pakistan's first AI-based chatbot for persons with disabilities. This initiative has been developed in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA), and with generous support from the European Union (EU). The launch event took place at the National University of Science & Technology (NUST), where representatives from government, civil society, and academia were present. The chatbot is launched under the theme "An Initiative for a Peaceful and Inclusive Society." Designed as a multilingual and accessible digital support tool, NOOR AI is the first-of-its-kind in Pakistan. It addresses the specific needs of persons with disabilities, especially women, who often face systemic exclusion in accessing vital services. The chatbot also offers confidential, rights-based guidance on disability rights, inclusive education, employment opportunities, legal aid, gender-based violence (GBV) protection and awareness around preventing violent extremism (PVE). In his opening remarks, STEP Executive Director, Muhammad Atif Sheikh, called NOOR AI "an empowering digital platform for women and youth affected by disability and marginalisation. Sharing insights from STEP's broader initiative, "Empowering Women with Disabilities in Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (P/CVE)," especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, he pointed out how national action plans and CVE policies in Pakistan often overlook disability, despite the double marginalisation that women with disabilities face - both due to their gender and their disability. "NOOR AI is not just a chatbot; it's a peace-building tool. It addresses gaps in digital access, legal awareness, and psychosocial support, all of which are critical to inclusive resilience," he noted. STEP Director Programmes, Abia Akram, emphasised the urgency of disability-inclusive policy reform in Pakistan. She stressed the need to ensure that persons with disabilities are not only beneficiaries but also leaders in digital and peacebuilding spaces.
Daily Mirror
17 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
England Lionesses ban 'good luck charm' ABBA from playlist ahead of Sweden clash
ABBA was once the soundtrack to the Euros celebrations but the Swedish pop group have been vetoed from the England playlist ahead of their clash with Sweden The Lionesses have banned ABBA from their changing room playlist as they prepare to clash with Sweden. But the Swedish pop group will only be vetoed for the quarter-final game on Thursday, as captain and 'England DJ' Leah Williamson admitted they were a good luck charm in 2022. The Euros -winning squad that year even earned a message of congratulations from ABBA's Bjorn Ulvaeus after videos of the players belting out Dancing Queen went viral. Several Lionesses have already described Leah, 28, from Newport Pagnell, Bucks. as the team DJ claiming 'she has the best music taste'. But when England go head to head with the women in yellow and blue for a place in the semi-final, ABBA will be confined to the Swedish dressing room only. Asked if she agrees with Swedish fans that ABBA are bigger than The Beatles, Leah frowned: "That's a strong statement, I don't agree I'm afraid. One may be easier to dance to but they're not bigger. "I don't think they [ABBA] will be on the playlist ahead of the game. But it worked in 2022, so I don't want to banish ABBA completely." Sweden were the first ever nation to win the Women's Euros in 1984, but have never been able to regain the European Championship since. And after the Lionesses knocked Sweden out of the last Euros by thrashing them 4-0 in the semi-final, Sweden's Jonna Andersson admitted doing the same to England on Thursday would feel like 'revenge'. "Of course it feels like revenge. It's always that feeling," she said. "We know what we can do and hopefully we can show them that we are up for this fight and that we are going to do everything we can to go out and win the game." But after England's Ella Toone warned that Sweden 'should be scared' of England, Sweden's Filippa Angeldahl defiantly responded: "We are not afraid." The midfielder, 28, from Uppsala said: "I think everyone in the squad is looking forward to it incredibly. This is what we have been waiting for." But while the Lionesses kick back and relax in their 5* base camp, Sweden are cooped up in a sports complex. And although the training facilities at Sweden's base are second to none, the On Your Marks hotel in Cham is far less plush than the luxurious Dolder Grand Hotel, nestled in the Adlisberg forest to the south of Zurich city. The £1,000-a-night hotel, which has played host to Winston Churchill, the Rolling Stones and now the Lionesses also boasts a golf course and a world-class spa. And while the Lionesses were simply given keys to their rooms, the Sweden team has a hierarchy of 'first choice' to those with the most international caps. The system is far from fool-proof having led to bickering in previous tournaments that boss Peter Andersson has been left to sort out. Speaking to Swedish media, Nathalie Björn revealed that the room selection went smoothly this time, but it hasn't always been that way. "Sometimes things have gone wrong, and then [Andersson] has had to fix it," she said. "Anyone who has experienced this might point out: 'Why does she have a nice view, and not me?' Then he will have to deal with it."
