TAWAU: Women have been urged not to keep their problems to themselves or feel alone when facing life’s challenges, but instead have the courage to seek help.
Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Senator Marhamah Rosli said women should make use of the various initiatives provided by the Government through relevant departments and agencies.
“This includes seeking moral and financial support, as well as various other services available to women, particularly those facing various pressures in life today,” she said when met during the Melangkah Bersama Madani: Wanita Luar Biasa, Inspirasi Mempersona programme at a leading hotel here on Sunday.
The event, officiated by Sabah Assistant Minister of Women, Health and People’s Wellbeing Datuk Rina Jainal, was attended by 1,000 women from Sabah and Labuan.
Marhamah also urged women and mothers dealing with sexual crimes against children to have the courage to act and not deny problems occurring within their families.
She said they should come forward and seek help through the appropriate channels rather than keeping such issues to themselves out of shame, as this could allow the problem to persist.
Marhamah said the programme aimed to inspire and motivate women on the importance of developing and empowering their roles, in line with the values of compassion promoted through the Malaysia Madani initiative.
She said the programme, held through collaboration between ministries and agencies, was important in ensuring information on government services could be delivered directly to the community, including at the grassroots level.
Meanwhile, Rina said the Sabah Government, through the Sabah Women’s Affairs Department (Jhewa), provides advocacy and pro bono legal services to women in need, particularly those facing marital crises or Shariah-related issues.
“At the same time, cooperation between ministries and agencies needs to be strengthened to avoid working in silos, while also ensuring available resources and expertise can be utilised effectively,” she said.
She said the presence of 1,000 participants at the programme could also turn them into information ambassadors on government assistance and services, particularly for women in rural areas who require support.
Apart from welfare and child safety issues, Rina said cooperation between the Federal and State governments also enabled programmes to be tailored to current needs, including addressing issues involving women’s economic empowerment, leadership and participation in politics.
She hoped such programmes would help ensure more government initiatives reached those who truly needed them while further strengthening women’s empowerment in Sabah.
