Women leaders in Penang would like to see more money allocated for single mothers in the Budget 2006, which will be unveiled by the prime minister tomorrow.

Bukit Tengah state assemblyperson Ng Siew Lai said due to the increasing inflation rate and cost of living, allocation for single mothers should also be raised to a reasonable rate.

Presently, she added, these women fall under the category of the poor and are given a monthly allowance between RM70-RM350 per family by the social welfare department.

But this amount is inadequate, she noted.

"It's simply not enough. It is not possible to even survive in this current economic situation," she said during a recent interview.

"We suggest that a separate and special fund under the national budget be set up for single mothers alone," added Ng, who is also the state Gerakan Wanita chief.

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's first budget in 2004 had been lauded as sensible as it aimed at long-term changes and was socially conscious.

There were various aspects which reflected the thoughtfulness of the budget, including attention to the disabled, low income and indigenous groups as well as the focus on education, small businesses and gender development programmes.

Skills training

Women Development and Family Council member Geeta Arumugam also stressed on the need to provide more financial support and skills training for single mothers.

She said this was essential as some of these women are unable to work and must take care of their children.

"Therefore, proper skills training courses would help prepare them to work from home or start a business on their own.

"Loans are not the answer. What these women need are motivational courses to bring them out of their state of dejection," she added.

Geeta clarified that single women here includes those who were not married and sole breadwinners of their families.

Meanwhile, there were also calls not to forget the younger women as well.

Permatang Pauh Wanita Umno chief Normala Abdul said more attention should be given to young women in terms of equipping them with skills and knowledge.

She said many young women were involved in social problems and vice activities because they lacked education, skills and awareness.

"That is why more money should be given to us to run effective and meaningful programmes for women, irregardless race or religion. We need to prepare women on how to face the various challenges in their lives.

"For example, young single mothers are often disturbed by men, who have the wrong perception of these women. We need to train women on how to overcome such harassment," she added.