Young mothers, parenting course held

Azliana (4th right) receiving a memento from Datin Jeanette Tambakau RCKK Pearl President

13 August 2025

KOTA KINABALU: A growing number of young and expectant mothers in Sabah are facing serious challenges, from lack of basic childcare knowledge to emotional strain and limited community support.

In response, a parenting initiative launched by the Rotary Club of Kota Kinabalu Pearl (RCKK Pearl) provide much-needed education and support , and it’s already making a meaningful difference.

The programme, Ibu Sejahtera, received high praise from the Sabah Department of Women’s Affairs (JHEWA) for offering practical tools and emotional guidance to mothers navigating the early stages of parenthood.

Delivered by JHEWA Deputy Director Azliana Misrah on behalf of Director Haslina Ismail, the department commended the programme’s focus on holistic care and community-based empowerment.

"Many mothers, especially young ones, are dealing with complex issues such as inadequate knowledge of infant care, emotional stress due to role transition, and lack of a support system," said Azliana.

"These are not isolated cases, they reflect a broader reality affecting thousands of families in our state."

A 2015 study found that 13.8% of pregnant women in Sabah experience antenatal depression, while 14.3% suffer from postnatal depression within six months of giving birth. JHEWA emphasised that these figures are more than just statistics, they represent real-life challenges that impact the well-being of both mother and child.

The Ibu Sejahtera programme addressed these issues head-on through sessions led by experts from Quality Confinement Home, Hospital Likas, and the Sabah Nurses Association (SANA). Participants learned about postnatal nutrition, breastfeeding, infant care, emotional regulation, and family planning, all delivered through a comprehensive and practical approach.

JHEWA has committed ongoing support to such initiatives via its Activity Grant Fund, in line with the Sabah state government’s vision to empower women, strengthen families, and nurture a high-quality future generation.

“Parenting education is a key area for us,” Haslina said. “It reduces mental health risks, promotes healthy breastfeeding practices, and encourages stronger family bonds.”

Citing international research, she referred to Japan’s “HUG Your Baby” programme, which showed that early parenting education could reduce postpartum depression by up to 30% and increase exclusive breastfeeding rates.

The Ibu Sejahtera event also recognised the contributions of speakers and strategic partners, as well as the dedication of participating mothers who took the first step toward more informed parenting.

“This initiative shows what can be achieved when NGOs, healthcare providers, and government agencies work together,” said Haslina. “Our hope is that this marks the beginning of more strategic collaborations across Sabah to ensure mothers never feel alone in their parenting journey.”

JHEWA extended its appreciation to the Chief Minister of Sabah for the grant that made the programme possible, and reaffirmed its commitment to remain a strategic partner to NGOs and community groups working to empower women across the state.

As the programme concluded, the message was clear: Mothers matter, and they deserve support. With initiatives like Ibu Sejahtera, Sabah is taking concrete steps toward building a more resilient, healthier, and empowered generation , one family at a time.