Jaringan Rakan Ibu Tunggal is a coalition of NGOs advocating for policy change for the benefit of single mothers from the B40 income group and their families. At the core is the need for a higher budget for Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat (JKM) to reach out effectively to single mothers.

It was formed in 2014 after a PSM led a study to understand what the main issues were, what stand and policy directions for advocacy were needed as well as consultation with other groups. Invitations were sent out to several NGOs, church groups and women’s groups to reflect also some degree of Malaysia’s ethnicity. In total, representatives from eight other groups came together to discuss the PSM study over several meetings, and in consultation with their respective groups. A coalition called Jaringan Rakan Ibu Tunggal was formed. The representatives unanimously supported the findings and made some additions.

A memorandum was submitted on 25th February 2015, a discussion wth then Deputy Minister YB Chew Mei Fun followed in July. Later, in 2016, a meeting was held with the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus. As nothing resulted from these aside from a letter, the Jaringan successfully initiated a meeting with YB Hannah Yeoh (22nd October 2018) who has opened doors for greater dialogue. A subsequent meeting arranged on the 11th of December with the Timbalan Ketua Setiausaha (TKSU) of the Strategic Planning Unit, Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat (JKM) and Jabatan Pembangunan Wanita (JPW) has ended on a very positive note for a meeting between NGOs engaged with single mothers and government agencies involved. This will be a one day meeting providing an opportunity for a two-way communication.

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