Entrepreneur Rheineld is ‘Woman of the Year’

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WOMAN OF THE YEAR: Fedrick handing over a Certificate of Appreciation to Lucy Eba, who received it on behalf of Rheineld.

KAPIT: Iban entrepreneur Rheineld @ Minor Panyau was named ‘Woman of the Year’ during a talk held here yesterday in conjunction with the Kapit-level Women’s Day celebration.

The 57-year-old from Sungai Melinau in Baleh used to be a teacher. She taught for 16 years and retired on June 1, 2000.

Today, she is Untang Jaya Sdn Bhd’s director, Tekam Café owner, Sarakup Indu Dayak Sarawak (Kapit) chairlady, Kapit Consumer Association chief, PBB Baleh Division head, Family Tribunal member, Children Tribunal advisor, Bumiputera Court advisor, and Kapit Hospital Visitors’ Board member.

The award was presented to her by Kapit Resident Fedrick John George, but as she was on official duties in Kuala Lumpur, it was received on her behalf by one Lucy Eba.

In his speech at the talk entitled ‘Respect Women’, Fedrick advised women to keep abreast with current developments so that they could tackle all challenges head on.

He added that women of today had proven their mettle in virtually all areas, including in socio-economy, politics, science and medicine.

“But even though you may be involved in lots of activities and holding high-ranking posts, your role as a housewife and mother must be upheld at all times,” he said at the event that was held at Meligai Hotel.

On the Women’s Day celebration, Fedrick said it was a form of recognition by the government on the roles played by women in the society.

Meanwhile, organising chairman cum Kapit District Officer Elvis Didit spoke of the need for men to respect women and for women to respect themselves.

“You must know your roles and responsibilities in the society. It is important that the society be free from gender discrimination and violence. Both men and women should respect one another, said Elvis.

He also advised women non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to be strong and to co-operate with government agencies for mutual benefits.

Two papers were presented at the talk. The one on crime prevention was presented by a police officer here while a staff from Kapit Health Department talked about breast and ovarian cancer.

Also present at the function were organising chairman Elvis Didit, Deputy Resident (Social) Zul Usup, Health Department representative Zaita Johari and Social Welfare Department personnel Itom Roseta.