PETALING JAYA: The programme that supports former women prisoners through skill cultivation and entrepreneurship provides them with more opportunities to build their lives and financial standing, says the All Women’s Action Society (Awam).
In commending the Wanita Bangkit Bersasar (WBB) Programme @KPWKM, Awam capacity building director Jayamalar Samuel said such initiatives are particularly crucial when studies have indicated that poverty is one of the major factors in women’s incarceration.
“Research has shown that women are at higher risk of mental and physical abuse during arrest, questioning, and while in prison.
“We need to ensure that women have access to gender-sensitive facilities and support services, including reproductive health, mental health/well-being services, and counselling.
“These support services could also be extended to families of women in prisons,” she said.
Sabah Women’s Prison became the first prison in the country to implement WBB @KPWKM (Women, Family and Community Development Ministry), which aims to help women prisoners live a better life upon their release.
On Tuesday, its minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri witnessed the signing ceremony of the memorandum between the Malaysian National Welfare Foundation (YKN) and the Prisons Department for the programme.
Additionally, Jayamalar said more financial support or resources should be offered to women going through the legal system as they often lack funds to pay for legal representation or alternatives to custodial sentences, such as fines or bail.
She also cited research that has shown that women are incarcerated largely due to gender-based violence (especially domestic violence), discriminatory laws, and existing societal stigmas.
“This highlights the need to address broader issues of (gender) inequalities in our society through grassroots campaigns and legislative reforms. Women who are or were in prison are essential to these conversations and should not be left behind.
“We hope that this initiative is offered to even more women prisoners, regardless of offence, identity or citizenship,” Jayamalar said when contacted.
Human Rights Commission of Malaysia commissioner Ragunath Kesavan acknowledged that there has been a huge improvement in terms of training, education and vocational options for women in prison.
“Women are also family leaders, and they can contribute so much to their families and the nation,” he said in response to the WBB @KPWKM.
Penang Institute publications officer Dr Rahida Aini Mohd Ismail said skills training provides inmates with valuable tools to rebuild their lives, reduce the likelihood of re-offending, and contribute positively to society.
“These programmes not only enhance employability but also empower these women, helping to promote personal growth, self-esteem, and a sense of purpose.
“They equip women in prison with skills that are vital for reducing recidivism and fostering self-reliance,” she said.
With practical abilities, they are better prepared to secure jobs, achieve financial independence, and break the cycle of re-offence, leading to more successful reintegration into society, she added.
Association of Women Lawyers former president Sheena Gurbakhash said the Prisons Department has had a long history of providing training and skills enhancement to inmates through its My Pride programme.
“In the last year, there has been an emphasis on TVET (technical and vocational education and training) programmes for prison inmates. Well done on this new initiative that includes women inmates,” she said.
WBB @KPWKM was borne out of Nancy’s visit to the Kajang Women’s Prison in July 2023 when she witnessed the participation of female inmates in various workshops on food manufacturing, sewing, handicrafts and batik embroidery.
Through this programme, the minister wants to target those who are talented in running a business but face constraints such as taking care of children and the inability to leave their homes.
For the pilot project, the Anjung WBB Sabah YKN will operate in Taman Olivia, Penampang, and accommodate 10 female inmates at a time.
According to reports, there are currently 3,800 female prisoners nationwide, and of the total, some 1,000 are locals and the rest are foreigners.
Of the local prisoners, about 100 to 200 of them will be released from time to time.
