MANJUNG, February 23 – Vale in Malaysia is committed to expanding its collaboration with Pertubuhan Ibu Tunggal Kebangsaan Malaysia Parlimen Lumut to empower the single mother’s community in Manjung by improving their lives and livelihoods.

Chief Executive Officer Rodrigo Ribeiro de Araújo said that the commitment is in line with Vale’s global strategy to empower local communities in locations where it operates through socio-environmental investments.

“Based on the outcome of a pilot program launched with the association to teach sewing as a form of trade to single mothers, Vale is keen to expand the program. When we empower women, we empower the society. “Sewing is a skill that can be monetized, even from home. There is a significant demand for cottage products, such as curtains, tablecloths and souvenirs, and with the growth of the tourism sector in Manjung, we project this demand to increase further,” he said.

According to Puan Zarina Mohamed Ekhwan, the chairperson of the association, the pilot sewing program saw 10 women signing up for it. She said Vale engaged a professional sewing seamstress and provided 10-units of portable sewing machines. “Several of the participants have started home-based sewing businesses and are already receiving orders for items such as curtains. We hope that they will get more orders leading up to Hari Raya.

“We are very appreciative of the assistance and collaboration provided by Vale as it will definitely help our members provide better lives for their families. As part of the collaboration, we will work with Vale to expand the program and include modules such as online marketing so that these budding entrepreneurs will reach a larger audience,” she said. The association has 350 members within the Lumut Parliamentary district.

Members of the association who have participated in the program strongly encourage other women to take advantage of such opportunities. Thirty-four-year-old Khurratu Aini Hashim said, “Programs such as this are hard to come by. This program has certainly allowed me to broaden my knowledge in sewing and helped me improve my craft. This has led to higher demand for my services and in doing so, increased my income significantly. For that I am truly appreciative.”