Sri Aman women pushing to better themselves

Yu (fifth from right) cutting a cake, assisted by Norina (fourth from right) at the launching of GIDSA-cum-pre-Gawai dinner. Baru is seventh from right.

SRI AMAN, April 29: Several women here came together several months ago to form Gerempung Indu Dayak Sri Aman (GIDSA) to lift the dignity of women in Sri Aman and to contribute to nation building.

Its adviser, Norina Umoi Utot, commented that women being in business allowed them to help enhance the country’s economy as “strategic partners’.

Speaking at the launching of the association here yesterday, Norina urged women in and around Sri Aman to join the body to make it more effective it what it wanted to achieve.

In emphasising the need for a recruitment drive, she revealed that women from outside Sri Aman could also join GIDSA and that “we also do not limit it to Iban women only. Women from other races can join us, too”.

The launching ceremony, which also doubled as a pre-Gawai dinner, was officiated at by Yu Ching Sieu, wife of Works Minister Baru Bian.

GIDSA members with Yu (sixth from left), Norina (on Yu’s left), Baru (fifth from right) and others in a photo-call.

Yu said women’s responsibility extended way beyond their homes and that they should do their bit for the nation.

“Recognising the importance of the role women can play with knowledge and skills, the establishment of GIDSA is timely as it serves to provide programmes to train women to face the challenges of the business world,” she said.

“GIDSA is a platform for women to learn to mingle, manage and become leaders at various levels. Use this opportunity to move forward together and contribute to the community.”

At the event, Baru, who was also present, announced an allocation of RM10,000 to GIDSA for their activities.

Also present were GIDSA chairwoman Bonie Langkop and its secretary Yen Jebeni. — DayakDaily