SIBU: The state government has allocated RM7.6mln to Sarakup Indu Dayak Sarawak (SIDS) for the development and empowerment of Dayak women in the state.
SIDS president Datuk Alice Jawan said the allocation showed the commitment of the state government in making sure Dayak women were not left behind.
“The total amount provided to SIDS by the state government is RM7.6 million for various purposes including helping us to buy two units of shophouses for RM1.8 million to serve as SIDS House, funds for the establishment of the Tan Sri Empiang Jabu Dayak Women’s Research Foundation (TSEJ) and for other activities in strengthening the role of Dayak women,” she said when speaking at the 28th SIDS Sibu annual general meeting (AGM).
Also present were SIDS Sibu advisor Catherine Nain Abit, SIDS Sibu chairman Angelyn Uchi Maseng, SIDS Sibu deputy chairman Monica Giri, Sibu Sibu secretary Michelle Hildalyne Anthony Luta and other exco members.
Alice, who is also a SIDS Sibu sdvisor, expressed her gratitude to the state government for the donation and pledged to increase SIDS’ activities such as seminars, courses for the benefit of its members.
She said under her leadership, SIDS would focus on four key elements, namely education, empowering women, developing Dayak culture and Dayak women’s capital.
“Our vision and mission are still the same but we are focusing on these four elements to strengthen the role of Dayak women in contributing to the country in terms of skills, technology, economics and more,” said the Permanent Secretary of the Utilities Ministry.
Alice added that SIDS would create a website to help Dayak women entrepreneurs promote their products.
This is important, of course, to enable skilled Dayak women in craft making to promote their products worldwide.
“The use of technology today is especially important for entrepreneurs to further promote their products.
“By simply taking pictures of your products and uploading them to our website, the world can see your products,” she added.
In addition, SIDS, she said, planned to hold a seminar on Native Customary Rights (NCR) next month at several venues to be announced later.
The seminar was aimed at imparting knowledge on current land codes and government policies on NCR land.
The AGM was attended by about 300 members from 19 areas (branches) under SIDS Sibu.
To date, SIDS Sibu has a membership of about 1,528.
The AGM also saw Alice presenting education incentives to members’ children who achieved outstanding results in public examinations as well as souvenirs for retiring members of SIDS Sibu.
