Starting Point
Jabatan Hal Ehwal Wanita Sabah (JHEWA), also referred to as the Department of Women's Affairs Sabah (JHEWS), serves as an executive body responsible for implementing programs and coordinating policies related to women's issues in Sabah. Established to tackle the diverse challenges confronting women in the region, JHEWA provides advisory services to both State and Federal Governments. It operates through seven specialised sub-committees focusing on Gender Sensitivity Development, the Economy, Social Affairs, Education, Health, Law, and Women in Media. Additionally, JHEWA collaborates with non-governmental women's organisations by offering advisory support and ensuring women's concerns are directed to the appropriate authorities for resolution.
At the core of JHEWA’s success is its unwavering commitment to the protection and empowerment of women in Sabah. This dedication is evident in the broad range of services, programs, and initiatives aimed at enhancing women's welfare. For instance, JHEWA recently hosted a well-being webinar as part of its outreach efforts. A particularly significant initiative was the in-person event titled “Well-being in Facing Domestic Violence” (Kesejahteraan Mendepani Keganasan Rumahtangga), held on 21 October 2024. This program brought together public servants, private sector representatives, strategic partners, and women’s NGOs to foster collaboration and raise awareness of domestic violence.
JHEWA also plays a pivotal role in conflict mediation through its Legal Aid Centre, which offers legal consultations, mediation, and counselling services. These services are particularly targeted at women unable to afford private legal representation, addressing both violent and non-violent conflicts. The centre has earned trust as a vital institution for handling cases such as domestic violence, harassment, incest, and cyberbullying. By employing a multidisciplinary approach, women can seek support from a panel comprising lawyers, mediators, and certified counsellors, ensuring comprehensive conflict resolution.
Beyond legal support, JHEWA acts as a key community mediator, contributing to peacebuilding efforts in Sabah. It provides a crucial link between women in crisis and the resources necessary to address their needs. Through its programs, JHEWA not only offers immediate assistance but also empowers women to navigate long-term solutions, reinforcing the foundations for a more just and peaceful society in Sabah.
Peace Journey
A key figure in JHEWA’s efforts is Mrs. Noor Azah, a lawyer with Pusat Bantuan Guaman (Legal Aid Centre). Her personal and professional background reflects a deep commitment to addressing women’s issues, especially in conflict and crisis situations. As a legal professional, she plays a crucial role in assisting women by offering legal counsel and representation. Her dedication to empowering women is evident in her work as a mediator in resolving various disputes. She prioritises accessible legal support for marginalised groups, particularly women from low-income (B40) families in Sabah.
Mrs. Noor Azah and JHEWA share a philosophy aimed at building a society where women can live free from violence and discrimination. The organisation envisions an inclusive environment where women’s voices are amplified, and their rights are protected. JHEWA’s initiatives are grounded in holistic support, addressing not only legal matters but also the psychological and social well-being of women. This comprehensive approach aligns with broader goals of peacebuilding and conflict resolution within the community.
The Pusat Bantuan Guaman, where Mrs. Noor Azah is based, operates as a crisis settlement hub for women facing various conflicts. Its primary focus is on family-related disputes, including domestic violence and other conflicts outside the criminal realm. For criminal offences such as rape or harassment, victims are advised to file police reports and seek private legal representation for court proceedings. However, in family-related conflicts, the Legal Aid Centre offers free services to eligible clients, particularly women from the B40 community in Sabah.
When social conflicts are brought to JHEWA, each case is carefully assessed to determine whether counselling, legal advice, mediation, or court proceedings are required. In domestic violence cases, a lawyer is assigned to manage the matter. Should the client seek a divorce, custody arrangements, or financial support (nafkah), the lawyer aids in court until a resolution is reached. Domestic violence incidents are reported to the police, who investigate when injuries or severe violence are involved.
Additionally, cases of harassment or molestation are predominantly reported in northern regions of Sabah, such as Kudat, Pitas, and Kota Marudu. The Legal Aid Centre collaborates with the police to organise awareness talks, educating the public on how to file reports effectively. Numerous factors contribute to conflicts involving women, with financial difficulties being the leading cause of divorce cases. Other factors include abusive husbands (both physical and emotional abuse), unemployment, failure to provide financial maintenance, and third-party interference. JHEWA addresses these cases through legal advice, mediation, and family counselling delivered by registered counsellors.
Success Stories
JHEWA has played a pivotal role in advancing sustainable collaboration aimed at empowering women through socio-economic development in Sabah, particularly by supporting women entrepreneurs. With 186 NGOs registered under JHEWA, 20 focus specifically on women's entrepreneurship. To further assist these entrepreneurs, JHEWA has established exhibition spaces in four shopping malls, offering women the opportunity to showcase and market their products.
In recognition of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, JHEWA organized a webinar titled “Stop Violence, Cultivate Love and Care” on 14 November 2024. This event aligns with the United Nations' (UN) recognition of 25 November as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, which has been observed since 2000. Additionally, the UN's 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, spanning from 25 November to 10 December, further raises awareness, coinciding with Human Rights Day.
JHEWA’s initiatives have proven effective in addressing the challenges faced by women in Sabah, particularly through its handling of over 700 cases. The organization’s focus on mediation and alternative dispute resolution has allowed for the de-escalation of conflicts, reducing reliance on lengthy legal battles and providing faster resolutions to family disputes. This mediation-centric approach aligns with its broader mandate to support women's welfare while ensuring access to legal resources.
In addition to conflict resolution, JHEWA’s initiatives, such as the "Reaching Out to Women" program and well-being webinars, have fostered community engagement and heightened awareness of key issues. Programs promoting women entrepreneurs further highlight JHEWA's holistic approach to addressing socio-economic inequalities. By creating exhibition spaces in shopping malls, JHEWA not only promotes economic independence but also provides a platform for women to thrive as business owners. Collectively, these efforts contribute to a more equitable society and tackle the root causes of conflicts affecting women.
Building on these initiatives, the government and NGOs in Sabah have organized various activities to raise awareness and advocate for the prevention of violence against women. Gender-based violence transcends religion, ethnicity, and culture. A UN report reveals that nearly one in three women globally has experienced physical or sexual violence at least once in their lifetime. The five recognized forms of violence—physical, sexual, social, financial, and psychological/emotional—remain pressing issues. While physical and sexual abuse are more widely acknowledged, other forms, such as psychological abuse (degrading a woman's dignity through threats and insults), social abuse (isolating a partner from external support), and financial abuse (restricting financial independence), often go unnoticed.
JHEWA remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting women by offering a wide range of services and programs. Beyond the aforementioned well-being webinar, JHEWA hosted an in-person event on 21 October 2024 titled “Well-being in Facing Domestic Violence” (Kesejahteraan Mendepani Keganasan Rumahtangga). Attended by nearly 320 participants, including public servants, private sector representatives, strategic partners, and women’s NGOs, this event was officiated by the Minister of Community Well-Being, Datuk James Ratib.
Another flagship program, “Reaching Out to Women” (Santuni Wanita), was conducted in 55 State Legislative Assembly (Dewan Undangan Negeri/DUN) constituencies in Sabah between 2021 and 2024, successfully engaging approximately 5,135 participants. A key session within the program focused on addressing violence against women.
Despite these advances, women in Sabah continue to face significant challenges, rooted in the region's deeply entrenched patriarchal structures. Gender inequality remains pervasive throughout much of Asia. Efforts to achieve 30% female representation in decision-making roles and to improve women’s access to education are critical to their empowerment. Historically, men have dominated decision-making in religious and cultural matters, but women's participation in mainstream development is essential to safeguarding their rights. Women’s pursuit of equality and recognition, coupled with their empathetic nature, positions them well for roles such as community mediators. To ensure the well-being of women in Sabah, it is vital to rigorously enforce existing laws that protect their rights.