Issue:
Single mothers often struggle to find employment suitable to their circumstances because they have to juggle between responsibilities in the domestic domain and at work. There is also a social stigma attached to single motherhood, which affects their ability to venture out with confidence. As a result they often struggle to make ends meet.

Solution:
A group of 18 single mothers in Pulau Tuba, off the island of Langkawi, had previously gathered together to organise themselves as entrepreneurs. Due to lack of resources, their businesses were very small and income was insufficient to sustain themselves and their families. They approached the CIMB Bank branch in Langkawi for funding to buy capital equipment to expand their businesses. With a grant of RM26,000, the group of single mothers aimed to expand 3 core areas of their business, namely sewing, baking and craft making. In each of the areas, the following purchases were made:

• Sewing - 2 industrial sewing machines.
• Baking - 2 industrial ovens and 2 industrial-sized mixers
• Craft Making - Bosch powertools

This would enable them to increase production for better economies of scale and improve the quality of the products.

Result:
The ladies now make clothes for festive occasions, as well as kuih to be sold to the local community. They are also producing more refined handicraft which is sold in tourist areas in Langkawi. These single women’s social welfare has improved tremendously since their monthly income rose from a mere RM150 per month per person to an average of RM600 per person per month since the upgrade of their facilities and equipment. For some of them, their income had increased RM800-1,300 per month due to seasonal demand. They are now in a better position to provide for their family and children’s education. CIMB Foundation is now looking to assist the ladies in areas such as marketing, branding and extension of their community centre. Our branch staff in Langkawi frequently visit the ladies to check on their progress