The government is placing greater emphasis on empowering the role of husbands, including those who serve as full-time homemakers, in response to evolving social dynamics and the increasing participation of women in the workforce.
Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad, said that strengthening the roles of both men and women is a strategic priority in building a more equitable and progressive society.
“Various initiatives have been implemented through the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN), including the Men’s Wellness Programme and the Men’s Empowerment and Wellness Programme (Budiman),” she said during a session at the Dewan Negara, yesterday.
She explained that these programmes emphasise men’s responsibilities as heads of families, moral guides and contributors to societal harmony. As of July this year, a total of 15,516 men nationwide have participated in the initiatives.
To further support fathers in their family roles, the Fatherhood Module has been developed in collaboration with academics, government agencies, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). The module provides guidance for fathers to carry out their roles more effectively and empathetically within the household.
Noraini was responding to a question from Senator Datuk Nelson Wences Angang, who asked whether the government plans to introduce an initiative similar to i-Suri, but tailored for husbands who are full-time homemakers.
She further noted that the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) has already established a Self-Employment Social Security Scheme under the Self-Employment Social Security Act 2017.
This scheme offers social protection to self-employed individuals and is also open to husbands who, while managing the household full-time, are engaged in income-generating activities to support their families.
-HR HUB
