The Women’s Development Department (JPW) has seen 83,775 single mothers register themselves in its database, and the Federal Government estimates that the actual number of single mothers across Malaysia is far higher.
Deputy Minister for the Development of Women, Family, and Community Azizah Mohd Dun said that according to the 2010 Resident and Housing Census, Malaysia has a women’s population of 13.9 million, with 235,240 of them being single mothers.
“Out of the 235,240 single mothers, only 83,775 have registered with the JPW,” she told Berita Harian today.
“Many do not register with us because they are unaware of the functions of the department, have not been exposed to its programmes by single mothers’ associations, and are simply too busy with work and keeping their families together.”
Azizah delivered these remarks after launching the Northern Zone Single Mothers Empowerment Roadshow in Alor Setar, Kedah.
“We are hitting the ground to meet single mothers in remote areas, and to reassure them that they are not going to be left to fend for themselves,” she said.
“The government will not only help them financially, but are committed to providing them with knowledge and training so they can better stand on their own two feet.”
