SIBU, Feb 3: The development and empowerment of Dayak women in the state has received a boost from a state government allocation of RM7.6 million to Sarakup Indu Dayak Sarawak (SIDS).
Its president Datuk Alice Jawan who is also the permanent secretary to the Ministry of Utilities, said the allocation would help the organisation to purchase two shophouse units costing RM1.8 million to serve as the SIDS House, establish the Tan Sri Empiang Jabu Dayak Women’s Research Foundation (TSEJ) as well as fund other activities that would strengthen the role of Dayak women.
She added the allocation signified the state’s commitment to ensuring Dayak women are not left behind, and expressed her gratitude for the financial support. As SIDS Sibu advisor, she vowed to facilitate more activities such as courses and seminars to serve SIDS members, and that under her leadership, SIDS would focus on four key elements — education, empowering women, developing Dayak culture and Dayak women’s capital — to increase the contributions of Dayak women to the country.
Alice made these remarks when speaking at the 28th SIDS Sibu Annual General Meeting (AGM) yesterday.
Also present were SIDS Sibu advisor Catherine Nain Abit, SIDS Sibu chairwoman Angelyn Uchi Maseng and her deputy Monica Giri, SIDS Sibu secretary Michelle Hildalyne Anthony Luta and other exco members.
Meanwhile, Alice also revealed that SIDS would set up a website for Dayak female entrepreneurs and skilled Dayak craftswomen to serve as a platform to help 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.
Alice also disclosed that SIDS is planning to organise a native customary rights (NCR) seminar soon and would reveal more details later.
During the AGM, Alice also presented education incentives to SIDS members’ children with outstanding public examinations results as well as mementoes to retiring SIDS Sibu members.
Some 300 members representing 19 branches under SIDS Sibu attended the AGM. SIDS Sibu currently has about 1,528 members. — DayakDaily
