Bangsar: The government is set to introduce skills development programmes for girls in schools across the nation this year, aiming to enhance economic empowerment among young women. Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri announced the initiative, which seeks to equip girls with practical skills before they graduate, enabling them to generate income and attain financial independence in the future.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the programme is part of a broader effort to mitigate social issues through women's empowerment and to increase the number of financially independent women in the country. Nancy emphasized the importance of starting these initiatives at a young age, stating, "Before they become women, they are just girls. That is why we are going to schools to provide them with skills programmes. They can test their skills, and in the future, they can sell their products and generate income."
The programme will be implemented in collaboration with district education offices nationwide, particularly after major school examinations, pending approval and coordination with schools. Nancy mentioned that targeted schools have been identified, but implementation depends on the cooperation of involved ministries and district education offices. The initiative aims to balance academic strength with practical skill development for students' future success.
Nancy also highlighted the ministry's efforts to expand collaboration with non-governmental organizations, including Rotary International, to address social issues and improve community welfare. Additionally, the ministry is exploring ways to increase volunteer participation to support welfare recipients who are homebound and require assistance, such as transportation to hospitals and basic daily needs.
The Home Help Service, where volunteers receive a small allowance to assist those who are homebound, is also being strengthened. Nancy noted that recent national records show nearly one million single mothers and single women heading households in Malaysia, many of whom face the dual burden of being primary caregivers and sole breadwinners. Despite the large numbers, only a small fraction are formally registered within existing support systems, leaving many unsupported.
The ministry's KasihniTA programme complements these efforts by empowering single mothers through financial literacy, psychosocial support, and legal skills. In 2025, nearly 1,900 single mothers participated in the programme across six zones nationwide, and 90 legal aid cases were successfully handled to help women defend their rights.
Furthermore, Nancy observed that the Social Welfare Department continues to see rising demand for psychosocial support, child protection interventions, elderly care, and disability assistance. The ministry currently supports over 839,535 registered persons with disabilities nationwide, with autism identified as one of the fastest-growing developmental conditions among children.