Once weighed down by the challenges of being a full-time homemaker, Waajiya Salmah Sawal Hamid has found herself on better footing after joining a local organisation aimed at empowering housewives.
Over a 15-year career, Waajiya headed a kindergarten, a primary school and a secondary school — before rising to become a lecturer at a local defence university.
However, the 34-year-old gave it all up to become a full-time housewife following the arrival of her third child.
That decision, however, came with numerous unexpected challenges — including isolation, reduced financial freedom and diminished self-esteem.
“My responsibility and perspectives about my life changed completely after becoming a full-time housewife.
“I was once at the top of my workplace, but now I am only staying at home. Before this, I had my own salary and could buy whatever I wanted, but now I have to ask (my husband for money).
“I felt worthless at one point,” Waajiya told FMT at a convention organised by Persatuan Suri Rumah Rahmah (SRR) at Putrajaya on Sept 14.
Thankfully, her situation gradually improved after joining SRR, an NGO focused on empowering the lives of Malay-Muslim housewives.
She had chanced upon SRR’s activities on social media a year ago and was immediately taken up by the group’s motivational and informative content about women and motherhood.
It didn’t take much persuasion for her to apply for membership.
“SRR provides us a platform to meet and support each other. There’s a sense of belonging in the community,” she said.
Waajiya’s story echoes those of the 300 other participants at Konsuri 2025, a convention organised by SRR.
Norismahida Ismail, the programme’s director, said the biennial event serves as a platform for members to foster solidarity — an essential support system for housewives navigating emotional and mental challenges.
“Many of our members have overcome their depression. Before joining us, they felt that they had no other world except their families, who may not understand their challenges.
“But when we come together and support each other, our members can find confidence again,” Norismahida told FMT.
Policy suggestions for empowering housewives
SRR president Rose Jazimah Abdul Jalil expressed hope that the government will implement policy changes to empower housewives from medium-income households, especially by facilitating their return to the workplace.
She called for the government to provide incentives and childcare services for housewives participating in professional skills development programmes.
“There are very few programmes that allow us to bring our children along. Even initiatives like the Human Resources Development Corporation’s women’s career comeback programme often overlook this need.
“How are we going to leave our house to participate in these programmes otherwise?” she asked.
