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SHAH ALAM – The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry has introduced the Men Empowerment Network (MEN), a national strategic platform aimed at strengthening men’s character development, emotional well-being and role within society.
The initiative comes as men face increasingly complex challenges, including economic pressures, social changes and mental health concerns that can directly affect family well-being.
The ministry said MEN was established to ensure men remain equipped to fulfil their responsibilities as husbands, fathers and leaders of their family while contributing positively to society.
The platform seeks to provide a more comprehensive approach towards men’s development through collaboration between government agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), academics and professionals.
Among the focus areas under MEN are parenting skills, conflict management, financial literacy, mental health support and community-based interventions.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said the establishment of MEN reflected the government’s commitment to strengthening family institutions through a more holistic approach towards men’s development.
“Through a whole-of-nation approach, the ministry is committed to producing responsible heads of families who have healthy emotional well-being and are able to lead their families with wisdom and care.
“MEN also provides training related to conflict management and mental health that is more accessible to men within communities, while challenging the stigma that seeking help during difficult periods is something shameful,” he said during the 2026 National Father’s Day celebration themed Sehebat Kasih Bapa in Cyberjaya, last month.
The initiative aligns with the aspirations of the National Family Love Policy (Dasar KASIH Keluarga Negara), which places the family institution as the foundation for building a stable and progressive society.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said MEN would serve as a collaborative platform to strengthen research, policy development and intervention programmes related to men’s empowerment.
She said the network would also support the implementation of the National Gentleman Study (Kajian Lelaki Budiman Negara) under the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13), which begins in July and will run for 18 months.
The study, she said aims to develop a model, framework and implementation mechanism for the National Gentleman Agenda as a national reference.
“Through this initiative, we want to produce more men who respect women, share responsibilities within families, prioritise mental well-being and become husbands, fathers and leaders with integrity,” she said during the Men Empowerment Consultative Forum at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre.
Nancy stressed that men’s empowerment should not only focus on economic capabilities or leadership roles but must also include character development, emotional stability, mental well-being, parenting literacy, financial management and social support networks.
She said the values of Kasih – Kasih Sayang (Love), Akhlak (Morality), Sihat dan Selamat (Health and Safety), Ilmu (Knowledge) and Harmoni (Harmony) – should serve as the foundation in shaping “Lelaki Budiman” in a Madani society.
“Lelaki Budiman is not someone who dominates, but someone who leads with wisdom, shares responsibilities and respects women as partners in building a family,” she said.
To date, more than 20 NGOs with expertise in fatherhood programmes and young men’s development have joined MEN as strategic partners with the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry and the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN).
The platform will coordinate various programmes focusing on men’s development, including parenting education, conflict management, mental health support and community initiatives.
The launch of MEN marks a shift towards recognising men’s empowerment as an important component of national development.
Through continuous implementation and collaboration among stakeholders, the initiative is expected to contribute towards producing more responsible, compassionate and resilient men who can strengthen families and communities.
