Dynamic Women Programme Makes Positive Impact In Sarawak - Nancy Shukri

KAPIT, Nov 15 (Bernama) -- The Dynamic Women Programme, introduced since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, retains a crucial role in empowering women in terms of the economy, especially those affected by job losses and family issues.

Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, who is also the National Welfare Foundation chairman, said that since its launch in 2023, the programme has had a positive impact, with nearly RM4 million in total aid value in Sarawak.

She said the programme was established after the ministry found that many women could not go to work as they had to care for their children or parents, while some faced issues that included divorce and domestic violence.

"We saw that many women could not go to work because they had to care for their families. So, we assist them to do business from home by providing them with a capital of RM500, without requiring a licence.

"Some produced acar (pickle), some baked biscuits, others turned to sewing… it was up to them. Most importantly, they had the capital to start a business,” she said during the Kasih Wanita Advocacy Programme @ Kapit, Dynamic Women & Zero Tolerance For Violence Programme at Dewan Masyarakat Melayu, Kampung Muhibah, here today.

During the programme, 317 recipients from Kapit received a total of RM158,500 in aid.

According to her, more women are continuing to do business from home and generating self-income, thus strengthening the local community's economic standing.

Nancy also clarified that the Dynamic Women Programme has also been incorporated with the Kasih Wanita initiative, along with efforts to raise awareness of the "Zero Tolerance For Violence” against women.

Commenting on the Elimination of Violence Against Women (EVAW), which is observed on Nov 25 every year, she said Malaysia also participated in the global effort, including lighting up iconic buildings in orange.

"Last year, the ministry collaborated with Putrajaya Holdings, JKR (Public Works Department) and various other agencies to light up bridges and buildings, including the KL Tower, in orange,” she said, adding that more  buildings and locations, including in Sabah and Sarawak, will be involved this year.

Nancy also urged more parties, especially women, to wear orange-coloured attire on Nov 25, saying the colour symbolises support for efforts to combat violence against women in all its forms.

"We want society to show solidarity, either by wearing an orange dress, shirt, cap, shawl or whatever as a sign that we do not support any form of violence against women,” she said.

She also drew attention to the existence of the Local Social Support Service (PSSS), which provides access to counsellors to assist women facing pressure or domestic violence.

"This is our effort to raise awareness and provide support to those in need,” she said.

-- BERNAMA