THE state government, through the Penang Women’s Development Corporation (PWDC), has initiated the ‘#SokongBizIbuTunggal’ programme to help enhance the livelihoods of single mothers during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
Sungai Pinang assemblyman Lim Siew Khim, who is the programme adviser, said the Women and Family Development Committee (JPWK) would be assisting single mothers in their respective constituencies to participate in the project.
“Our main aim is to help single mothers to generate income through their cooking skills. We want them not to only sustain but thrive financially during this challenging time.
“The team from PWDC and JPWK will be helping to promote the food products through various social media platforms. The team will also help to create e-flyers for the products.
“This programme is open to all single mothers who have already owned a business as well as for those who aspire to venture into small food businesses,’’ said Lim during the launch of the programme via Zoom today.
Lim also urged the public and also the netizens to promote and support the products made by single mothers to help create a better life for them.
“We appreciate the support received from all parties to initiate the project,’’ she added.
Meanwhile, state executive councillor for Non-Islamic Religious Affairs and Social Development Chong Eng hoped that the project would help hone the entrepreneurial skills among women, especially the single mothers.
“The state government through this programme will provide the financial assistance (‘start-up’ fund) for the single mothers to purchase the necessary items for their businesses.
“This project is in line with the Penang 2030 vision, which gives emphasis on economic empowerment under one of its themes to increase the household income.
“Apart from enhancing the livelihood of single mothers and their families, the programme will also play a role in supporting the local economy.
“Other than single mothers, women whose spouses are ill and are affected economically due to the pandemic, can also take part in the programme,’’ added Chong Eng.
PWDC chief executive officer Ong Bee Leng said so far a total of 20 products are set to be promoted via PWDC’s facebook page.
“We want to ensure that no one is left out, thus we will be continuously promoting the products on our facebook page,’’ said Ong.
For those who are interested, they can register through the link below :
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdNMwEq1oJU2JGxdVFnYYdKDE8JXev028q8lNZVvaZTk9A-Kg/viewform
Please visit the PWDC facebook to check out the products promoted https://web.facebook.com/PWDCMalaysia
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Law Suun Ting