“KENAPAKAH AKU SUKAR MENDAPATKAN PEKERJAAN” KAJIAN TERHADAP GELANDANGAN BEKAS BANDUAN WANITA DI JALAN CHOW

“WHY IS IT DIFFICULT FOR ME TO FIND EMPLOYMENT?” A STUDY OF HOMELESS FORMER PRISONERS WOMEN IN JALAN CHOW KIT

Abstract

Gelandangan wanita yang merupakan bekas banduan merupakan antara kumpulan yang paling terpinggir dalam masyarakat kerana berhadapan dengan pelbagai bentuk ketidakadilan sosial, ekonomi dan gender secara serentak. Selepas dibebaskan daripada penjara, mereka sering menghadapi kesukaran untuk mendapatkan pekerjaan yang stabil akibat stigma terhadap rekod jenayah lampau, ketidakstabilan tempat tinggal, masalah kesihatan fizikal dan mental, serta pengalaman trauma dan diskriminasi dalam pasaran pekerjaan. Keadaan ini bukan sahaja menjejaskan proses reintegrasi sosial, malah meningkatkan risiko kemiskinan berpanjangan, gelandangan kronik dan pengulangan jenayah. Kajian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif melalui temu bual mendalam terhadap tiga orang gelandangan bekas banduan wanita di sekitar Jalan Chow Kit, Kuala Lumpur. Pemilihan informan kajian dibuat berdasarkan beberapa kriteria, iaitu wanita, mempunyai rekod jenayah lampau, bebas daripada sebarang penyakit psikologi yang serius, dan merupakan warganegara Malaysia. Hasil kajian mengenal pasti dua tema utama, iaitu peluang pekerjaan yang terhad dan cabaran ekonomi serta kewangan. Tema peluang pekerjaan yang terhad merangkumi subtema tahap pendidikan yang rendah, rekod pemenjaraan dan pekerjaan yang tidak stabil. Sementara itu, tema cabaran ekonomi dan kewangan melibatkan subtema pendapatan yang tidak mencukupi untuk menampung keperluan hidup serta kesukaran mendapatkan pekerjaan yang sesuai. Kesimpulannya, gelandangan bekas banduan wanita berhadapan dengan pelbagai halangan struktur dan sosial yang menjejaskan peluang mereka untuk membina semula kehidupan selepas pembebasan. Oleh itu, intervensi yang lebih menyeluruh melalui penyediaan peluang pekerjaan, latihan kemahiran, sokongan ekonomi dan pengurangan stigma masyarakat amat diperlukan bagi membantu proses reintegrasi sosial golongan ini secara lebih berkesan. 

Homeless women who are former prisoners are among the most marginalized groups in society as they simultaneously face various forms of social, economic, and gender injustices. Following their release from prison, they often encounter difficulties in securing stable employment due to the stigma of past criminal records, housing instability, physical and mental health issues, as well as traumatic experiences and discrimination within the labor market. This situation not only hampers the social reintegration process but also escalates the risk of prolonged poverty, chronic homelessness, and recidivism. This study employs a qualitative approach through in-depth interviews with three homeless former prisoner women in the vicinity of Jalan Chow Kit, Kuala Lumpur. The selection of study participants was based on several criteria: being women, having a prior criminal record, being free from serious psychological illnesses, and being a Malaysian citizen. The findings identified two primary themes: limited employment opportunities and economic as well as financial challenges. The theme of limited employment opportunities encompasses subthemes of low education levels, incarceration records, and unstable employment. Meanwhile, the theme of economic and financial challenges involves subthemes of insufficient income to sustain basic living needs and difficulties in obtaining suitable employment. In conclusion, homeless ex-prisoner women face various structural and social barriers that undermine their chances of rebuilding their lives after release. Therefore, comprehensive interventions through the provision of job opportunities, skills training, economic support, and the reduction of social stigma are essential to facilitate the social reintegration process for this group more effectively.