MIRI: Rural women should discard the stereotypical ‘rural mindset’ as they can contribute tremendously in elevating the status of their respective communities.
Dewan Negara Deputy Speaker Senator Datuk Doris Sophia Brodie, who is PRS Women chief, said women must strive and take it upon themselves to improvise and be better, regardless of where they were from.
“We must learn to be aggressive and be alert on every opportunity that comes our way.
“Opportunities are aplenty. However, ignorance along with lack of information and encouragement are perhaps amongst the hiccups that hinder our progress.
“On this note, I encourage rural women to be united towards achieving a significant and rewarding future.
“We must avoid progression towards smallness; otherwise we may end up too small to be seen,” she said after officiating a seminar involving 250 participants at a hotel here yesterday.
The one-day ‘Jelajah Kawasan Sentuhan Kejayaan’ programme, organised by PRS Women Education Bureau, hosted women leaders and PRS members from Kakus, Belaga, Jepak, Kemena and Kidurong.
Adding on, Doris stressed education as among the crucial elements – if not the most – that could propel an individual or the whole community into development.
Meanwhile Assistant Minister of Chief Minister’s Office (Native Adat and Penan Affairs) Datuk John Sikie Tayai, who is also PRS vice president, praised the organiser for highlighting the importance of education among the rural womenfolk.
“Women are the heart of any family.
“They play vital roles in the household, especially in bringing up the children,” he said in closing the seminar.
The programme was also attended by organising chairwoman Councillor Misiah Abdullah, political secretaries to chief minister Angeline Umih and Majang Renggie, PRS Women deputy chief Nuai Gema.
Speakers for the seminar were International College of Advanced Technology Sarawak (iCATS) lecturer Marten John Madden and RHB Bank Bintulu branch manager Philip Seli.