SHAH ALAM: The Women and Businesswomen Association of Denai Alam, Elmina and Subang (PWPDES) will organise a mental health and women’s rights awareness programme in June as part of its efforts to empower women and support small businesses in the community.
Its president, Rozita Ayu Zulkifli, said the association, formed last May, has been engaging women through initiatives focused on empowerment, entrepreneurship and community development.
The group is open to women who live, work or run businesses in areas such as Denai Alam, Elmina, Subang and surrounding neighbourhoods. Non-members are welcome to participate in selected events.
She said the upcoming programme will highlight two issues that require greater attention.
“Many women in their 40s and 50s experience challenges, including depression,” said Rozita Ayu, a lecturer at the University Tunku Abdul Rahman.
“One of the reasons is empty nest syndrome, when their children have left for college or university.
“We also want to inform them about their rights as women and wives. I believe these are important issues that are not widely discussed.”
Rozita said PWPDES aims to provide a platform where women feel comfortable addressing these topics.
“We want them to know they are in a safe space where they can share their feelings and ask questions,” she said.
Her concerns reflect a national trend. A 2023 National Health and Morbidity Survey report by the Health Ministry estimated that one million Malaysians aged 16 and above are experiencing depression, double the number recorded in 2019.
Besides advocacy, PWPDES also focuses on small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) empowerment by supporting businesses through training and seminars.
These include practical sessions on e-commerce, digital marketing and post-sales skills aimed at helping women entrepreneurs remain competitive.
An example is a seminar organised in January featuring industry speakers on digital marketing and business presentations.
The event drew around 70 participants, including non-members. TikToker Cikgu Samm and professional image consultant Rudy Ludinata were among the speakers.
“PWPDES wants to create a platform where women can come, learn and support each other, whether through training, business exposure or community engagement,” said Rozita, who previously worked in corporate communications.
“We are also planning smaller-scale activities this year, including a make-up workshop in April and community outreach efforts such as festive contributions to local schools.”
Rozita said the association hopes to collaborate with other organisations and expand its reach.
She said the group paid a courtesy visit to Women, Family and Community Development Deputy Minister Lim Hui Ying on March 13, where it was introduced to the Women’s Referral, Intervention, Support, Information and Advocacy (PRISMAnita) initiative.
PRISMAnita aims to improve access to support services for women, particularly in addressing family-related issues such as domestic violence. It falls under the Women’s Development Department (JPW) at the state level.
“It was an eye-opener for us to learn about this government initiative. We will share this initiative with our members at our programmes,” she said.
