MATUNGGONG: Efforts to curb child marriage must continue to be strengthened as the issue affects not only individuals and families but also Sabah’s human capital development and future, said Sabah Minister of Women, Health and People’s Wellbeing Datuk Julita Majungki (pic).
She said every child should have the opportunity to pursue education, develop skills and realise their potential before taking on family responsibilities, adding that investing in children today is an investment in Sabah’s future.
Julita said children who are able to continue their education and develop their skills have the potential to become a more competitive, knowledgeable and capable generation that can contribute to various sectors of the state’s development, while efforts to address child marriage also support women’s empowerment by enabling more girls to pursue education and expand opportunities in the economy, leadership and entrepreneurship.
She said tackling child marriage requires the cooperation of parents, teachers, community leaders, educational institutions, government agencies and local communities when officiating the Matunggong District Child Marriage Awareness Programme (MIPA) on Thursday.
The MIPA programme is an ongoing initiative by the Sabah Women’s Affairs Department (JHEWA) to educate and raise awareness on the implications of child marriage through modules on basic psychology, legal literacy, personal health and reproductive health, while JHEWA director Haslina Ismail was also present.
