BY SARAH HAFIZAH CHANDRA and GOH PEI PEI
KUCHING: Women in Sarawak have achieved much success in the social, economic and political arenas.
One of the most important pillars of development in a nation is women, thus it comes as no surprise that the state government puts great emphasis on the empowerment of women.
During the Hari Wanita Sarawak 2023 themed ‘Embrace Equality’, five women’s outstanding involvement and contributions to the community were recognised through the presentation of the ‘Anugerah Tokoh Wanita Sarawak’.
New Sarawak Tribune spoke to the recipients who shared their thoughts on receiving the prestigious award.
NORJANAH RAZALI, RECIPIENT OF SARAWAK PREMIER AWARD FOR WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP
I am very grateful to the state government for giving me this award. I would like to thank everyone for this support throughout my involvement with various organisations and societies. I hope this will inspire others especially women to be more active in giving back to the community.
NATASHA NASA DOUGLAS UGGAH, RECIPIENT OF SARAWAK PREMIER AWARD FOR WOMEN’S ENTREPRENEURSHIP
I feel very happy for all the women of Sarawak because the state government recognises and acknowledges the important roles that they play and the contributions they have made. With this, I hope that more women will be motivated to dream big and to not give up. Of course, there will be challenges along the way but if you preserve, God willing you will succeed.
MANJEET KAUR SIDHU, RECIPIENT OF SARAWAK PREMIER AWARD FOR FEMALE SOCIAL ACTIVIST
I am so happy to be recognised for the work that I have been doing for over 10 years. I will continue to serve the community be it through food aid, job placement and blood donation campaign or others. For the upcoming reopening of school, we will be helping children from the rural area especially with school uniforms, books, and others.
CHRISTINA THOMAS-MAMORA, RECIPIENT OF SARAWAK PREMIER SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
I feel very privileged and thankful for this award. I will keep on writing and focus on writing about women. I love to write about women and their inspiring story, so that we can inspire others. It is high time for us writers to highlight the contributions and sacrifices of women.
BERNADETTE GEIKIE FROM THE SOCIETY FOR KUCHING URBAN POOR (SKUP), RECIPIENT OF SARAWAK PREMIER OUTSTANDING NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATION (NGO) AWARD
I feel very blessed that our NGO has been given this award. I would like to encourage women and especially the young people to take up volunteerism. It is a good way to give back to society and do good to those who are less fortunate than us. Getting involved in volunteerism will definitely provide one with a great sense of satisfaction.
