Ursula dedicates life to improve women’s living

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THERE are people wishing to be involved in charity work, but not many are aware or ready for the sacrifices and commitment it entails.

WALKING DOWN MEMORY LANE: Ursula (front row, fourth left) attending the ACWW Triennial Conference at London in the 1980s.

In Sarawak, there is an outstanding lady who is actively involved in women-related charitable work.

That woman who has won the respect of the local, national and international community is Datuk Ursula Goh.

At the golden age of 73, Ursula has lived an extraordinary life which is an inspiration to others.

Datuk Ursula Goh

BACKGROUND

Born on June 2, 1937, the grandmother of four grandchildren hails from Penampang, Sabah.

She was co-founder of Sarawak Federation of Women’s Institute (SFWI) for Miri/Lutong in year 1965, and is its life member.

She has been advisor to SFWI and the Consumer’s Association, member of Marriage Tribunal Miri, advisor to Magistrate Juvenile Court Miri in 2002, council member and chairman of Sarawak Family Planning Association, and chairman of board of visitors Taman Seri Puteri Miri from 1981 to 2001.

In 1982, she was awarded a SFWI gold medal for outstanding contribution.

On the international scene, she has served three terms as area president of the Associated Country Women of The World (ACWW) for South East Asia and the Far East in the 1980s.

She was chairman of the project committee from 1989 to 1992.

From 1998 to 2001, she served as coordinator for the East, West and Central Africa area.

The programmes she was involved in and conducted were mainly on women’s development and empowerment programmes.

She received recognition by being elected world president of ACWW in year 2004.

The datukship, one of the country’s highest decorations was given in recognition of her contribution to the government, the community as a whole and her work with non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

Her latest achievement was being named Outstanding Volunteer by Federation of Reproductive Health Association Malaysia in year 2010.


WOMAN OF DISTINCTION

Being listed among the 200 female role models in the biography of prominent Malaysian women was not something she would boast of.

The humble and down-to-earth lady continues with her mission to help needy women develop their capacity building to the maximum.

The recent outgoing ACWW world president for the second term of 2007/2010 was a council member of the international organisation.

“It is my interest to be actively involved in the women-related association. It is very hard for me to explain my interest because women’s association was part of my life in the last four decades,” she said.

Ursula said involvement in ACWW had helped in her community voluntary work.

Travelling to various countries had opened her eyes besides giving her valuable experience.

Apart from visiting women’s projects under ACWW, she has provided guidance on how to improve women’s standard of living, particularly those residing in rural areas, through education, training and community development projects.

Her tenure as world president was a tough challenge, she admitted. But the various global challenges have not set her down.

Instead she took the challenge and subscribe to the principle of understanding, respecting, being open-minded and tolerant.

Commenting on women of today, she said they had been given gender equality and play an important role in development.

She said the effort to empower women through organising programmes for them is vital for them to contribute economically and socially.

And they do this by playing a significant role in the development of their families, besides making tangible contributions to national development.