Starting Point
The president of PPIS is Mdm Manjeet Kaur Sidhu. Founded in 2015, PPIS seeks to: (1) provide humanitarian aid to marginalized and low-income communities, (2) support disadvantaged groups, (3) empower women and children through skill development and education, and (4) advance social welfare and community development initiatives. Its primary focus areas include (a) disadvantaged women, such as single mothers and widows, (b) children from underserved backgrounds, and (c) rural communities in Sarawak requiring humanitarian assistance. As a charity-based NGO, PPIS relies on public donations, as well as funding from individuals and government sources (both state and federal), to sustain its operations and programs.
PPIS implements several initiatives to address and mediate issues of Gender-Based Violence (GBV). Key programs include: (1) Support Services: PPIS offers counselling and legal support to women affected by GBV, helping them navigate emotional trauma and social challenges; (2) Skill Development: The organization provides training programs aimed at enhancing the economic independence of women, particularly single mothers and widows; (3) Advocacy: PPIS raises awareness of GBV, advocating for policy changes to protect women's rights and conducting outreach initiatives to educate communities on the issue and available resources; and (4) Collaboration with Government and NGOs: PPIS partners with the Sarawak Department of Welfare (JKMS) and healthcare institutions to ensure victims of GBV receive comprehensive legal, medical, and social support, including access to shelters and necessary resources. Apart from that she also runs several initiatives to assist underprivileged and vulnerable groups such as: (1) the Rice Against Hunger Programme, which distributes rice to rural communities while educating recipients on its proper use and distribution; (2) the Deepavali Open House, held in November 2023, to promote unity and express gratitude to supporters; (3) Support During COVID-19, wherein PPIS ensured a sustainable income for disadvantaged women by purchasing food from them during the Movement Control Order (MCO); (4) Blood Donation Drives, organised in collaboration with Sarawak General Hospital, which have raised awareness about health issues such as breast cancer and organ donation through over 15 campaigns aimed at replenishing critical blood supplies; and (5) Back-to-School Programs, which annually provide school supplies to children from low-income families, ensuring that marginalized groups have access to education.
Peace Journey
Mdm Manjeet manages her organisation with the support of her son, an assistant, and a small group of volunteers who assist when needed. Over time, she has expanded her network through collaboration with government agencies, including the police, Jabatan Guaman Sarawak, the Kuching Mayor, the Welfare Department, and philanthropists. Her organisation relies on public and private donations to sustain its operations. Mdm Manjeet provides counselling and intervenes directly in domestic violence cases reported by family members. She assesses each situation by speaking with the victims and determining whether to involve authorities, especially in cases involving children, disabled individuals, or vulnerable victims. Combining conflict mediation with advocacy, she ensures the mobilisation of support networks to protect those affected.
In one case, a drug-addicted husband forced his children to beg and his wife into prostitution. Despite his confrontational response, Mdm Manjeet gathered evidence and filed a police report, leading to the rescue of the family and their placement in a shelter. She later approached Majlis Islam (MAIS) to initiate divorce proceedings, as the husband refused to grant a divorce. Through her efforts, the wife secured employment, and the divorce was finalised. In this instance, the police and MAIS played pivotal roles in removing the family from a hostile environment.
PPIS actively tackles the issue of statelessness. Madam Manjeet, a single mother supported by her own mother, understands the unique challenges faced by single mothers, especially those married to foreigners without legal documentation. As a passionate advocate for women's and children's rights, she persistently challenges established systems to find solutions. Resourceful and proactive, she serves as a crucial mediator between victims and government agencies. Madam Manjeet notes that many officers, often male, struggle to grasp the distinct difficulties women face in such situations. Stateless children, frequently indigenous and from Sarawak's remote interiors, face additional barriers due to the inaccessibility of these areas and mothers’ limited awareness of policies or channels for assistance. Madam Manjeet and her volunteers engage with affected women and children, offering advice and referring them to appropriate authorities such as lawyers, Native Courts, and the Registration Department to secure documentation. She advocates for women's involvement in mediation roles, encouraging their training to resolve disputes involving women and children.
Success Stories
PPIS has adopted 10 families as part of its initiative, with 4 of these families emerging as success stories. Most of these families reside in rural areas. One notable case involves a family from Kapit, where the son is physically disabled and the family lives in poverty. PPIS began by offering direct donations, including food, and consistently checked in on the family. Through her ongoing support and care, the son eventually found the courage to ask for help in improving the family's socio-economic situation. In response, PPIS coordinated with several organizations to provide educational and skill training, empowering the family to escape poverty and live with dignity.
The State has introduced measures to facilitate the education of stateless children, a commitment endorsed by the Premier. Furthermore, Sarawak has provided guidance on how children from mixed-citizenship marriages, where one parent is Sarawakian, can apply for citizenship through the government website.