brunei-darussalam - peacebuilding

Hjh Norajleen Uminatul Hafizan b. Hj Alimas


Kick-Off Roundtable of Joint ASEAN-IPR & ERIA Research  Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) and Women in the Digital Economy (WDE): Understanding Synergies for the Future of ASEAN

Starting Point 

Hajah Norajleen Uminatul Hafizan Binti Haji Alimas, affectionately known as Hajah Nora, is a remarkable individual whose life and work exemplify compassion, resilience, and leadership. Her multifaceted career and dedication to mental health, wellness, and community empowerment have made her a beacon of hope and healing for countless individuals.

Hajah Nora is the Founder of Cureheart and a Counsellor at Clarity Sdn Bhd. Established in 2018, Cureheart is a counselling and coaching association that continuously conducts various activities related to mental health. It is an innovative platform dedicated to advocating for mental health and providing holistic support to individuals facing emotional, psychological, and relational challenges. Through Cureheart, Hajah Nora has empowered countless individuals to take control of their mental well-being, guiding them toward healthier, more fulfilling lives.

She is also the founder of Lentera Hati, or translated in English as Lantern of the Heart. This movement supports survivors of domestic violence by providing a safe space for healing, empowerment, and community support, symbolising hope and light for those navigating the darkness of abuse. Her work in this area reflects her deep commitment to creating a society where individuals can live free from fear and violence.

Peace Journey

Her initiatives are centred on supporting women, girls, and youth in Brunei Darussalam, addressing critical and often overlooked issues such as domestic violence, postpartum depression, self-harm, suicidal ideation, trauma, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). For women and girls, her primary focus is helping them escape domestic violence situations and providing support for postpartum depression, which are significant challenges in society. To achieve this, she conducts individual counselling, group counselling, and specific workshops tailored to these cases. These initiatives are not part of a formal organisation or program but are structured efforts designed to directly address these needs.

For youth, she prioritises addressing self-harming behaviours, suicidal thoughts, and the effects of trauma, including those stemming from domestic violence. Young people in Brunei Darussalam are often emotionally vulnerable and may lack the stability to cope with these challenges. Her approach includes hosting workshops, group counselling, and support group sessions to provide safe spaces for them to share and heal. She believes this work is crucial, especially since Brunei Darussalam currently lacks structured support systems led by qualified counsellors to tackle these issues holistically.

Success Stories 

Hajah Nora’s work continues to impact the lives of those she serves profoundly. Whether through counselling, advocacy, or community initiatives, she empowers individuals to overcome challenges, find their strength, and lead lives filled with purpose and joy. Her dedication to mental health, self-care, and wellness is a testament to her belief that everyone deserves to live a high-quality life, free from pain and full of hope.

Hajah Nora is a true embodiment of compassion, resilience, and leadership. Through her professional expertise, role as the founder of Cureheart and Lentera Hati, and volunteer work, she continues to inspire and uplift those around her. Her holistic approach to mental well-being and unwavering dedication to empowering others make her a beacon of hope and healing in her community. Hajah Nora’s legacy is one of profound impact, and her work will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations.

In her view, women’s involvement is crucial because they bring relatability, empathy, and a nurturing approach to addressing issues other women and youth face. For example, women who have experienced narcissistic abuse or postpartum depression can better understand and connect with others going through similar challenges. This shared understanding allows for more effective and faster solutions.

Moreover, women are often more approachable and better equipped to build trust with youth. In families, children usually feel more comfortable confiding in their mothers than their fathers. This natural maternal connection enables women to bond with young people more easily, offering support and guidance in a safe and nonjudgmental way.

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