Through its annual Santun Ramadan initiative, the organisation reached out this year to almost 60 women and girls from two shelter homes in Selangor, continuing a tradition of care that has now entered its sixth year.
One of the visits was to Raudhatus Sakinah in Kundang, organised through funds raised during Pickle in White, a charity pickleball initiative held on 15th November 2025. The event raised RM1,600, with 100 percent of the funds channelled directly to the shelter.
Founded in 1998, Raudhatus Sakinah provides a safe and supportive home for more than 30 girls and women aged 13 and above, suffering from addiction to negative and unhealthy influences. Beyond offering protection, the centre focuses on rebuilding confidence and independence through programmes such as religious learning, sports, baking, gardening and other practical life skills, helping them rebuild their lives and move forward with hope.
Women in Rail Malaysia also visited Darul Wardah in Jalan Kebun, Klang, in partnership with YTL Construction. The shelter provides protection and support for unwed mothers, currently housing around 25 women aged between 15 and 32, along with 10 babies.
While the visits were centred on community support, they were also an opportunity to share simple lessons that can shape confidence and dignity.
Volunteers from Women in Rail Malaysia and YTL Construction conducted short sharing sessions on proper etiquette in communication and personal hygiene.
In today’s fast moving world, these are values that are often overlooked. Yet they are the foundations of self respect, healthy relationships and the confidence to begin again. Through open conversations and practical examples, the sessions encouraged residents to see these everyday habits as small steps towards rebuilding their lives.
Natasha Zulkifli, Founder Director of Women in Rail Malaysia, said the initiative reflects the organisation’s belief that real leadership also means showing compassion beyond professional spaces.
“Women in Rail Malaysia deliberately chose a path rarely trodden, to shine a light in the shelters and to remind the young women inhabiting this space that they are very special and not forgotten. Through Santun Ramadan, we hope to share encouragement and remind these women that their past does not define their future. Every person deserves the opportunity to rebuild their life with dignity and hope.”
As the sun set, volunteers and residents gathered to break fast together, sharing a simple meal in the spirit of Ramadan. The evening ended on a joyful note as all the women, caretakers and babies at both shelters were presented with gifts in conjunction with the upcoming Aidilfitri celebration, bringing smiles and warmth to the residents.
Since 2021, Women in Rail Malaysia has organised Santun Ramadan every first Friday of Ramadan, reaching out to women’s shelter homes through engagement, conversations and community support. The 2026 programme marks the sixth year of this outreach, reflecting a continued commitment to stand alongside women who are rebuilding their lives.
Nina Jamil, Executive Director of Women in Rail Malaysia, said the programme is built on the belief that encouragement and knowledge can help restore confidence.
“Sometimes the most meaningful change begins with simple reminders. How we speak, how we carry ourselves and how we care for our wellbeing shape the way we see our future. Through Santun Ramadan, we hope to remind these women that they are not alone and that their journey forward still holds many possibilities.”
For Women in Rail Malaysia, the initiative reflects a simple belief: that progress should not only be measured by the infrastructure we build, but also by the communities we uplift along the way.
