In conjunction with International Women’s Day today, inspirational women from various backgrounds share their perspectives on empowerment, gender equality, and breaking stereotypes. From challenging societal norms to advocating for personal choices, these women exemplify resilience and determination in their pursuit of success.
Women’s march toward equality, empowerment
The idea of women’s rights arose as a result of female oppression and inequality in the early 20th century. The unrest and critical debate among women motivated those in New York City to become more vocal and active in campaigning for change.
In Kuching, we have women figures like Lily Eberwein, Chi Mei Si, and Barbara Bay Mendu who championed women’s rights here. Lily was the first principal of Permaisuri Girls’ School, where she believed that girls should have equal rights to education.
Meanwhile, both Chi and Barbara believed that when women are more involved in politics, they could bring change to a community. After the two, women started to be involved in revolving government policies here, bringing along positive changes for their female counterparts.
However, the changes were not only felt in the United States and Kuching, but the whole world felt the transformation throughout the century. In many countries such as China, Vietnam, Nepal, and others, International Women’s Day (IWD), which is celebrated today, is recognised as an official holiday.
Strong women of today
Since the inception of IWD, and the spiralling of many strong women in Kuching, many capable and high-calibre women have sprouted.
The founder and CEO of Prodigy Music Centre, Sharnaz Saberi, chooses to follow her dreams and passion rather than being subjected to “discrimination”. The 39-year-old believes that women should be given the power to choose, explore choices, and achieve their own respective accomplishments, lifestyles, and opportunities.
“Dreams and women’s sacrifices, like an unwanted ode, have led many ‘great’ women to prioritise others’ dreams before their own. Many of them left their careers in their respective fields to support others. This barometer indicates how much we need to stop judging other women. We need to teach the new generation of girls to be ambitious but attainable,” said the entrepreneur.
Though women do hold high positions, in certain spheres, some of their voices are not being heard. Sharnaz opines that the idea of silencing women is habitual, and in some cases, “a woman must refrain from speaking until she is ‘less emotional’.”
Nevertheless, she encourages women to be of high value.
“It is important to focus on our own strengths, abilities, and capabilities. Women must believe in themselves and recognise their worth and potential. Trust that you are capable of achieving great things.
“Surround yourself with people who uplift and encourage you. Take small steps every day with determination and perseverance. Celebrate your achievements and successes, no matter how small they may seem. Remember that success is not defined by gender but by determination, hard work, grit and resilience,” Sharnaz added.
Meanwhile, Jacqueline Fong, co-founder of Tanoti Crafts, an award-winning social enterprise that serves to preserve the heritage and empower artisans in rural communities, remembers growing up in a traditional Chinese family upbringing.
“As a girl, I never took this particular trait to heart. In fact, as a child, it was interesting to observe the attention (and the pressure) which was placed on my brother, the eldest grandchild and son.”
Though she expresses that she is not interested in being as successful as or more successful than men, she believes that every individual has the power of choice.
“The power and ability to make choices is integral to a person’s basic rights, and should never be compromised. Every woman should understand that any person can achieve as high as they wish regardless of their gender. Gender should never be part of the success equation,” said the 48-year-old.
For fashion designer and educationist Dr Anna Sue, the stereotype of “women being the weaker gender” is no longer relevant though there are those who still think that women are less capable.
Sharing further, Anna said looking at the number of students in the local universities by gender, females are the highest in number.
“There is nothing wrong here. It just shows that women are learning their capabilities and want to be as successful as men by working hard.”
As a woman in the professional setting, Anna believes that every woman can achieve success.
“A woman needs to be well-educated, skilful, and knowledgeable so that whatever she does, people have no room to question her credibility. When a woman is equipped with those, she can be independent and financially powerful.
“She then needs to shut down negativity. Women must lift themselves up by taking a stance against negative comments by having high self-confidence and not conforming to the unrealistic standards and expectations that society puts on us.
“Find a mentor and become a mentor — focus on inspiring others. And lastly, know your worth and your capabilities. If you believe in yourself, you will achieve whatever you aim for in your life. Your life is your decision and you take the lead if you decide to be successful,” added Anna.
Echoing Anna’s sentiment, fashion designer and entrepreneur Farhanna Pura realises that at times, women are known to be the weaker ones.
“However, they wouldn’t say it verbally, but they treat us delicately. I appreciate that, it means they understand our strength.”
Though women are emotional beings, they have great strength, especially as mothers, entrepreneurs, or those in positions of power.
“In history, we do have a lot of successful women. One of them is the longest reigning monarch, the late Queen Elizabeth of England.
“Despite our weaknesses, I always believe one of my favourite taglines from Nike — ‘Just do it’ — only because you have nothing to lose. If you don’t do it, you have so much to lose but if you just do it, then you’ll have a lot to achieve,” said the Bruneian.
Meanwhile, singer-rapper Arafah Edruce, also known as Arabyrd in the entertainment industry has her take on IWD. As a woman, Arafah was constantly encouraged to believe in herself.
“My parents raised me strongly regardless of my gender. Of course, in any industry, you will hear comments that women are weak but as a woman, I don’t think I will let that affect me.
“I believe strongly in manifesting whenever you wake up in the morning, you’ll tell yourself your intentions for the day, and you want to get to that point, you just think about and go without thinking of the roadblocks or red lights. Start with intentions, and work your way through without thinking of other things and letting anything else bother you,” added the new mum to an eight-month-old son.
