FEMALE volunteers of Penang (RELANITA) and Women and Family Development Committee (JPWK) members are the frontline defenders of women’s rights and supporters of women in need, says Chong Eng, the state executive councillor for non-Islamic Religious Affairs and Social Development.
Speaking at a RELANITA appointment ceremony and Women and Family Development Committee (JPWK) appreciation ceremony in Komtar today, she encouraged all the attendees to empower fellow women in the community, particularly those affected by domestic violence.
She also shared some cases of domestic violence during the event, highlighting the crucial role that RELANITA and JPWK members could play in addressing the issues.
“We must eradicate domestic violence, and it is imperative that you (JPWK & RELANITA) must take the right action and become the game-changers to help the victims. It’s time to rectify this societal ill together.
“Domestic violence in the family cannot be accepted. If there is domestic violence, someone can be hurt or injured and there is no peace in the family.
“If you want to build a better society, you have to stop the violence. That is the right thing to do and the state government is behind you.
“Penang is the first state in the country to form the JPWK. As frontline defenders, I expect you to lend your strength and support to others,” Chong Eng said.
The ceremony honoured the appointment of JPWK and RELANITA members across all 40 constituencies in Penang. Also present was Penang Women’s Development Corporation (PWDC) chief executive officer Ong Bee Leng.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Joanne Foong