PERKIM Women Background
PERKIM Women
1. Background
PERKIM Women has long functioned as a division within PERKIM, although it was never formally registered as a separate entity. It is understood that efforts were made to register the PERKIM Women’s Division; however, the Registrar of Societies was of the view that such registration was unnecessary as the Women’s Division formed an integral part of PERKIM itself.
In the meantime, several PERKIM Women Branches were established and registered. These branches are regarded as branches of the PERKIM Women’s Division rather than branches under the respective State Divisions. PERKIM Women may be established at all levels in line with the objectives stipulated under Article 5 of the PERKIM Constitution. Accordingly, the National Council is empowered to formulate regulations from time to time in accordance with the Constitution. These regulations are collectively known as the PERKIM Women’s Movement, or simply WANITA PERKIM. The movement may be established at the national, divisional and branch levels.
2. The Establishment of PERKIM Women
In 1974, Y.A.Bhg. Datuk Amar Puan Sri Dr Hajjah Laila Taib, a life member of PERKIM, took the initiative to establish the women’s division upon the advice of Y.T.M. Tunku Abdul Rahman Al-Haj. This move was prompted by the growing number of women among new converts who faced serious challenges with their non-Muslim families after embracing Islam.
A small number of non-Muslim women had also shown a sincere interest in learning about Islam of their own free will after witnessing the positive example set by their Muslim friends’ families. There were also cases involving non-Muslim women who had been deceived by unscrupulous men, married without being given proper Islamic guidance, and later abandoned by irresponsible husbands after several years of marriage, often with children left in their care. It was in this context that PERKIM Women assumed a vital role in providing humanitarian assistance and spiritual support.
3. The Role of PERKIM Women
Through the tireless efforts of Y.A.Bhg. Datuk Amar Puan Sri Dr Hajjah Laila Taib, PERKIM Women today oversees 66 branches under the supervision of 11 divisions, with a total membership of 20,257. As such, PERKIM Women plays a significant role in contributing its full commitment towards realising the Government’s aspiration to elevate the status of women as a key driver of Malaysia’s development towards excellence.
The divine wisdom in entrusting PERKIM Women with this major responsibility undoubtedly carries profound meaning and purpose.
4. Activities Undertaken by PERKIM Women
Since its official establishment in 1980 under the leadership of Y.A.Bhg. Datuk Amar Puan Sri Dr Hajjah Laila Taib, PERKIM Women has undertaken a wide range of activities, becoming synonymous with welfare services and Islamic outreach throughout Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
In addition to serving as Chief of Women, Y.A.Bhg. Datuk Amar also chairs the Women’s Movement of the Regional Islamic Da‘wah Council of Southeast Asia and the Pacific (RISEAP).