PHOTO: AFP

BY: NATRAH SHAARI

In every society it is acknowledged that a man is the head of a household and it becomes really hard and tough for single mothers and widows to keep their families going in the absence of the male figurehead. This is why there are a growing number of broken families in Malaysia today.

Women generally earn less than men across the board and find it hard going to butter their bread and take care of children in the face of the absentee father. The government and a growing number of non-governmental organizations have come to recognize this issue.

Whether well meaning individuals or philanthropists acting in their personal capacity, NGOs or mosques, churches and temples, whoever they may be, these Good Samaritans must work together to alleviate the suffering of single mothers and widows.

But it is important that the government spearhead the move and it is good to note that it is perhaps the Selangor state government that is a shining example in taking care of single mothers and widows.

Besides giving essential and crucial financial support, it is important for the government to dispatch social workers to form a registry of single mothers and widows so that critical counsel and advice can be given to these women.

Since these women are in the target group of the vulnerable and needy, they need to be protected and taken care of, support must be given to them in full so they do not become victims and casualties, falling prey to those whose intent is to take advantage of their plight.

-THE MALAYSIA VOICE

** The views expressed on this opinion is of the writer and not the publisher