Assisting women through entrepreneurship
7 January 2025
TENOM: United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) Tenom Women Chief Rosinah Abok is dedicated to empowering women to pursue their own business ventures.
She shares that they travel from village to village, within 46 UPKO registered branches that include 520 women members.
“During our programmes, we establish meaningful connections with the women in each community, and branch leaders facilitate these interactions by guiding us to their respective villages. During our visits, we assess the needs of the women and identify those who could benefit from additional support and training.”
“We then enroll these deserving individuals in relevant courses that empower them with essential skills and knowledge, paving the way for their personal and professional development,” she shared.
According to her, they have carried out a cookie-making courses for 15 interested members who require assistance. They were very enthusiastic about the course, she said.
“I have also considered organising sewing courses, but I need to ensure they are genuinely interested in sewing. For now, I am focusing on cookie-making. I also want to send them to food handling courses so that they understand proper food safety practices.”
“Last year, eight individuals completed the food handling course and received their certificates. They didn’t have the certificates before starting their own businesses, so I made sure that they go one step further and get the certification.”
“I've seen their dedication, as they sell their products at markets, roadside stalls, and community fairs as well as Tamu. I regularly monitor their progress and offer advice when needed,” she shared.
“I want to empower the women in my group to become self-sufficient and to strive for their own success without overly relying on their husband’s income. There are also single mothers whom I encourage to work hard to ensure that they can go beyond just making ends meet. Some are facing very challenging lives, and I lend them support. I observe their interests and help them pursue those paths.”
The products available there include banana chips, tapioca chips, tofu, and noodles, with a strong focus on local snacks. The participants are hardworking and have great potential to succeed, she said.
According to her, as an entrepreneur, she started from scratch, too.
"I began my journey as a tailor, starting from scratch without any initial funds. To finance my equipment, I worked for a company and saved diligently. At that time, I only owned a single sewing machine, and it was far from easy,” she recalls.
“I didn’t even have an edge sewing machine and had to rely on a friend for assistance. However, I remained determined, working hard and saving until I could invest in more equipment. Gradually, my business expanded, and I am proud to say that I have successfully opened a bridal boutique."
“The response to my bridal boutique was incredibly encouraging before the COVID pandemic, and I’m happy to say that it has gradually bounced back since then. I am truly grateful for the support I have received throughout this journey.”
“My advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to take inspiration from my story. I have risen from a challenging background to the point where I can now support my children in pursuing higher education.”
“While being an entrepreneur presents its fair share of challenges, the long-term rewards make it all worthwhile. Stay committed, work hard, and believe in your vision.”
Having said that, Rosinah is not resting on her laurels, she and her team distributed biscuits to patients at the hospital during the recent Christmas celebration, visited those that are unwell, and provide assistance to the elderly.
She has indeed surmounted her challenges and reap the rewards for her hard work.
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