Daniel Lim
While the challenges for a single parent can be plenty, there are also many efforts made to lessen their burdens. From financial to moral support, each small act can contribute to a larger and positive impact on the whole family.
One such act that the Single Mothers Movement Association PGIT is aiming for, in its mission to support single mothers across the nation, is to inspire and encourage unity among single mothers through activities.
Established on December 8, 2021, PGIT is a community-based organisation that aims to provide much-needed support for single mothers across the nation and enable them to regain control over their fragmented lives.
Despite being a newly-formed association, it has gathered more than 100 single mothers across the Sultanate, 21 of whom are living in the Belait District.
While small in number, the 21 members are actively establishing close relations with various groups not only to deepen their relations with relevant and like-minded agencies but also to generate opportunities for the association to scout out venues to support its initiatives.
Among the activities that the association has conducted are visits to various centres of interest such as the Belait Senior Citizens Activity Centre (PKWE Belait) and buildings under the Youth and Sports Department Belait branch.
PGIT Founder and President Norliha binti Haji Besar said, “We want to provide opportunities for single mothers, especially those in the Belait District, to establish closer relations with relevant agencies as part of our continued effort to empower and support single mothers.
“In the Belait District, not many are aware that there is an association for single mothers.
We want to raise awareness and conduct activities that can bring single mothers together and overcome the challenges they face.”
She noted that visits have been well-received by the single mothers. “We are happy to be directly involved in visits as they expose us to the opportunities available in the district for single mothers.”
Norliha noted that these visits will serve as inspiration for not only single mothers across the country but for the society as a whole.
“We want to be able to find avenues for single mothers, especially when they are struggling with losses. These visits allow us to share our burden in supporting and motivating one another in thinking positively about the future as well as raising awareness of the challenges faced by single mothers that can inspire action among those interested to help those in need.”
Vice President of the Belait Section of the PGIT Rosmahwati binti Bujang shared similar sentiments.
“During these visits, I feel a sense of importance as there are many groups out there looking out for those in need. These visits also help to establish ties that may eventually turn into collaboration.”
She also expressed hope that such small acts can have a snowball effect.
“Insya Allah, we have plans for various interest groups and agencies. While we might be a newly-established association, we want to expand our reach to realise our vision and mission of supporting single mothers across the Sultanate,” she added.
