VETERAN women’s rights advocate Datuk Seri Chong Eng has urged greater attention to the welfare of working-class mothers and single women, stressing that caregiving and family support systems must be recognised as essential social infrastructure rather than private concerns.
Speaking at the launch of “Choices,” a new book by public relations veteran Ivlynn Yap, Chong Eng noted that while Malaysia has made progress in acknowledging women’s contributions to the workforce, areas such as welfare, childcare, healthcare, and mental health require more robust support in light of contemporary challenges.
“Women, like their male counterparts, are facing the onslaught of Artificial Intelligence and economic pressures in this era of high living costs,” Chong Eng said. She emphasised that women’s rights should not be viewed as encroaching on men’s roles, but rather as complementary.
“Without the females, childcare would be compromised as it is usually within their domain to help raise and nurture children towards becoming responsible adults. Hence, they need all the help they can get from society on this point,” she added.
The book “Choices,” authored by Yap, explores themes of self-awareness, personal responsibility, and the unique challenges faced by working women and mothers. Yap said it encourages conscious decision-making and taking ownership of one’s well-being, rather than solely attributing family or societal challenges to men.
“This book is about understanding ourselves and recognising that every choice we make shapes who we become. At its core, it is about choosing to live, and choosing to take care of ourselves without being dependent on others,” Yap explained during the intimate launch at BookXcess, Gurney Paragon.
Yap highlighted the persistent imbalance faced by working women, particularly mothers, who must navigate full-time employment alongside the majority of household and caregiving responsibilities.
She pointed out that while women’s roles have expanded in education and professional spheres, workplace cultures, family structures, and public policies have not evolved to match these changes.
“Working mothers are expected to succeed at work while still carrying most of the responsibility at home. This imbalance creates emotional, physical and mental strain that is rarely acknowledged,” she said.
As part of the launch, 50 copies of the book were donated to Chong Eng for distribution, targeting women who may benefit most from its message.
Both Chong Eng and Yap emphasised the importance of empowerment and collective action, calling on women, parents, and civil society groups to advocate for more family-friendly policies.
“Change does not happen in isolation. Grassroots efforts and women’s organisations play a crucial role, and collaboration is essential if we want to see lasting policy reform,” Chong Eng said.
The event underlined the growing discourse on supporting women in the workforce, equipping them to navigate economic, technological, and social disruptions while ensuring the well-being of both mothers and families. - February 20, 2026
