Swepa marks International Women’s Day with forum
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Women Entrepreneurs and Professional Association (Swepa) organized “equalize” forum in conjunction with the International Women's Day here yesterday.
Swepa president Datuk Aminah Ambrose said the event, which celebrated the Sabahan women locally, nationally and internationally, featured a line-up of successful and inspiring speakers.
“Swepa was established 26 years ago with the aim of bringing forward women entrepreneurs and professionals to the forefront of economic development of the state and the nation. In line with my Presidential tagline, Unite-Transform and Empower, together with my Executive Comittee, I am truly excited as we work unitedly towards transforming and empowering our members, bringing them to the forefront throughout the year and coming together today as we celebrate them and their successes,” she said at the event.
“It is through this year International Women's Day that we are able to come together and celebrate their successes locally, nationally and internationally. Not only are we fortunate to listen and learn from our very successful and inspiring Founding President, Datuk Nancy Ho today, but also able to showcase just a few of our members and their award winning products and services. This is of course just a tiny glimpse of what Swepa members truly have to offer.
“I am sure you will agree that not only are our members of diverse backgrounds in their professions, but also the best in what they do and represent. We are pleased to see that there has been an increase in programs that were well-meaning in trying to help women become more confident, visible, well-networked and assertive over the years, and these programs have been extended to Swepa and her members too.
“And with more people coming together and celebrating International Women's Day, it is our hope to see that such programs will continue to progress and build our women,” she added.
Swepa International Women's Day Celebration and Forum organizing chairperson Michelle de la HarpeGermani said International Women's Day is not only a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women but also marked a call to action for accelerating gender parity.
“I am extremely excited with this year’s theme, ‘Balance for Better’ and was determined to get both male and female speakers. The days where it was just women speaking for women, to women are fading. The time has come where men are now advocates and champions of change,” she said.
“This is proof that the rise of women is not about the fall of men. And this is why I am so happy to have the very few men in the house today who have stepped up,” added Michelle, who is also Swepa's assistant secretary.
Health and People's Wellbeing Ministry permanent secretary Datuk Janet KL Chee was amongst the many accomplished persons at the event.