Single mothers receive ovens, baking training to empower themselves
KOTA KINABALU: In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at empowering single mothers, Regions 6 & 7 Lions Clubs have joined hands with the Single Mothers Association (PITSA) to support and uplift women through a specialised baking skills project.
The collaboration has already made a significant impact as 20 single mothers received a generous package consisting of a 100L oven, 3L stand mixer and ingredients starter kit at an event held at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) here on Friday.
The ovens, crucial to this venture, were supplied by the Lions Clubs. The project, which commenced in December, started with intensive baking skills training provided by PITSA at the Sabah Cheshire Home.
Participants, primarily hailing from Kota Marudu and other areas such as Bongawan, Kunak and Penampang, actively engaged in the training sessions.
The initiative aims to empower single mothers by equipping them with essential baking skills, enabling them to continue refining their abilities and ultimately, sell their baked goods.
This venture serves as an alternative livelihood, fostering self-sufficiency and economic independence for the participating women. The event was strategically planned to coincide with International Women’s Day, aligning with this year’s theme, “Invest in women, accelerate progress.”
The guest of honor for the occasion was the Immediate Past District Governor, Kapitan Connie Loh Ming Hua, accompanied by special guest Datuk Dr Hajah Rosmawati Lasuki, chief executive officer of SICC.
The project’s success is attributed to the generous personal contributions from friends of Lions and dedicated members. Additionally, the Lions District Foundation recognized the significance of this initiative and approved matching grants to further support and elevate the community.
In her speech, Connie said the initiative is a testament to the collaborative efforts of Regions 6 & 7 Lions Clubs and PITSA in making a positive impact on the lives of single mothers, and by investing in their skills and providing essential tools, the project aims to create a lasting and meaningful change in the community. She said the project, which was initiated in December 2023, has been a profound experience of skill-building and self-discovery for the participating women, going beyond a mere provision of resources.
“Aligned with the core principles of Lions Clubs International, this initiative reflects an unwavering commitment to uplifting and empowering individuals, championing self-sufficiency, and preserving dignity.
“The culmination of this project on International Women’s Day is a moment to commend the dedication of the organising committee, project advisors, and all Lions Clubs in Regions 6 & 7, acknowledging the unique and inspiring stories of each single mother involved,” she said.
Meanwhile, Rosmawati said International Women’s Day holds a special significance, serving as a global platform to honor the achievements of women across diverse roles and contributions to society. She expressed her heartfelt congratulations to the 20 single mothers who had received ovens and cake mixers through the project at the event, recognising the essential potential within each of them.
“As we celebrate, let’s renew our commitment to fostering environments where women can thrive, lead and contribute meaningfully to all aspects of life. This event exemplifies the belief that by empowering women, we foster a more inclusive and prosperous society.
“Thank you to Lions Clubs Regions 6 & 7 and PITSA for choosing Sabah International Convention Centre as the venue, reflecting our shared values of empowerment and community engagement,” she said.
Meanwhile, PITSA president Norhanida Annol said the association comprises 700 registered single mothers from 15 districts here while there are around 2,500 unregistered single mothers around Sabah, most of them from the B40 bracket.
She said the main challenge of single mothers, especially those with young children who are still schooling and those who have more than two children, has always been living costs, especially with the current challenging economic situation.
“Even to afford daily necessities is a burden for single mothers, not even including other costs such as their children’s education or utility bills. They need to have all these, otherwise the their lives might be burdened,” she said.
Also present at the event were Dato’ Winne Lee, the second vice district governor, president cum organising chairperson Regina Sulit along with project advisors Datuk Margaret Lim, Rekha Notaney and Anny Poh, as well as district chairperson for Family and Women Development, Sharon Won.
The 23 Lions Clubs from Regions 6 & 7 are LC Tuaran, KK Capital, KK City, KK Host, KK Waterfront, KK Centennial, Penampang Hongkod, LC Ranau, LC Damai, LC Tanjung Aru, Penampang Host, Keningau Downtown, Keningau Host, KK Sutera, LC Kota Belub, Tenom Host, KK Mandarin, LC Kota Marudu, LC Asia City, KK Vintage and KK Central.