Kapit: The Dynamic Women Programme, initiated in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, continues to play a pivotal role in empowering women economically, particularly those affected by job losses and familial challenges. Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, who also chairs the National Welfare Foundation, highlighted the programme's success since its 2023 launch, noting the disbursement of nearly RM4 million in aid in Sarawak.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Nancy Shukri explained that the programme was conceived after recognizing that many women were unable to work due to caregiving responsibilities or issues such as 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," she stated at the Kasih Wanita Advocacy Programme @ Kapit, Dynamic Women and Zero Tolerance For Violence Programme held at Dewan Masyarakat Melayu, Kampung Muhibah.
The programme has enabled women to start home-based businesses, ranging from making pickles and baking biscuits to sewing, thus facilitating self-employment. During the event, 317 recipients from Kapit received a total of RM158,500 in aid. Nancy noted that the programme's integration with the Kasih Wanita initiative and efforts to promote a "Zero Tolerance For Violence" culture are also pivotal to its success.
Highlighting the Elimination of Violence Against Women (EVAW) day on November 25, Nancy shared Malaysia's participation in the global campaign, which includes illuminating 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, noting plans to involve more sites in Sabah and Sarawak this year.
Nancy encouraged more people, particularly women, to don orange attire on November 25 to support the anti-violence campaign. "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 urged.
She also emphasized the support available through the Local Social Support Service (PSSS), which offers access to counsellors for women experiencing stress or domestic violence, reinforcing the programme's commitment to raising awareness and providing necessary assistance.