KUCHING: For many working mothers, the most difficult part of the day begins not at the office but in the search for safe and accessible childcare near their workplaces.
Limited access to nurseries continues to place pressure on women juggling employment and caregiving responsibilities, a reality quietly faced by many families across Sarawak.
Administrative assistant Connors Kadir from the Sarawak Women and Family Department said childcare accessibility remains one of the most pressing challenges for working women today, particularly when facilities are located far from places of work.
“Women with children often struggle to manage childcare while working, especially when nurseries are located far from their workplaces,” he said, speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the International Women’s Day 2026 Borneo Zone celebration here.
He cited a recent case in Peninsular Malaysia involving a child who died after being left in a car, highlighting the urgent need for safer childcare arrangements at or near workplaces.
“This is why we believe more nursing and nursery facilities should be available at workplaces as it is not just about convenience but about safety,” he said.
Beyond caregiving challenges, Connors said the department continues to empower women economically through skills-based programmes such as culinary training, beauty services and massage therapy, allowing participants to gain skills, build confidence and achieve financial independence.
“Many women who take part in these programmes have gone on to open their own businesses,” he added.
While economic independence offers women greater security, health-related concerns often remain a silent and deeply personal struggle.
Nurse Marcellina Aderly Tader Mojig from Nur Sejahtera Clinic Kuching said fear and embarrassment still discourage many women from seeking early health screening, despite services being widely available.
“Some women feel shy or afraid to come forward, especially when it involves reproductive or breast health, as health issues are still considered taboo by some.”
She said clinics under the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) provide cervical cancer screening through HPV DNA tests and Pap smears as well as subsidised mammograms to promote early detection.
Despite ongoing outreach efforts, stigma remains a major barrier, with some women attending appointments alone after being discouraged by partners or family members, often resulting in delayed treatment.
“We have cases where women delay treatment because they are afraid or unsupported, and when symptoms finally appear, the condition is often more serious.”
Marcellina shared a case involving a woman in her early 30s who was diagnosed with HPV but initially ignored follow-up care, only to return later when symptoms worsened and cancer was detected.
“Because the disease was eventually identified and treated, she is now cancer-free, which is why early screening is so important.”
She urged women not to delay seeking medical attention, stressing that treatment becomes far more painful and difficult when health problems are detected late.
As Sarawak marks International Women’s Day, stories from the ground reflect that women’s empowerment goes beyond leadership and income, encompassing safe caregiving environments, accessible healthcare and the courage to seek help early.
