SIRAJ1/4 No Milk for Baby
Channel: 50FACES
Date: 2014-11-08

It was a time when the men went out to work and the women kept themselves busy at home, relying solely on the men to support the family. As a conservative society, the Muslim community was no exception. But some men took advantage of this situation to abuse their position of power to treat their wives badly.

As a young woman, Katijun Nissa Siraj was not going to let this situation persist. She banded together like-minded women and set up the Society for the welfare of Muslim women to take care of these women’s needs.

“Marriage is the merger of two hearts; it shouldn't matter whether you are male or female for marriage demands equal support from both sides. This is an essential trait of marriage that most overlook,” says Mrs Siraj. As a result, many women have gravely suffered at the hands of their oppressive husbands. Mrs Siraj has been a source of hope and strength for such women.

Mrs Siraj, a Singaporean of Indian descent, is 89 and considers herself as having a blessed childhood. But instead of being ensconced in her privileged life, she reached out to make a difference to the lives of women who have not been as lucky. Driven by a deep-rooted desire to help others, she actively involved herself in social work, all with the support of her husband. And today she is credited with laying the foundation for the betterment of Muslim women in Singapore. She is unfailingly compassionate, and has never turned down anyone who came knocking on her door asking for help.