KOTA KINABALU: Rosie Chong, Past President of the Rotary Club of Kota Kinabalu Pearl and organiser of the recent workshop “Empowering Women & Girls Through Enterprise and Education,” believes that empowering women and girls is fundamental to building resilient, thriving communities.
“Pearl Empower is more than just a programme; it’s a movement rooted in our core values of community development and economic empowerment,” Rosie explains. “Our aim is to equip women and young girls with the tools, knowledge, and opportunities they need to achieve economic independence, build confidence, and ultimately, transform their lives.”
Launched during the 2023-2024 presidential term, Pearl Empower is a flagship initiative designed to advance Rotary’s commitment to fostering sustainable development through entrepreneurship, education, and mentorship. It is structured around two key pillars: Pearl InHERprise and Pearl EducateHer, which together create a comprehensive ecosystem for empowerment.
“Pearl InHERprise focuses on providing women with the means to start and grow their businesses, while Pearl EducateHer concentrates on capacity building—developing skills, confidence, and leadership qualities,” Rosie elaborates. “This dual approach ensures that our participants are supported at every stage of their journey—from learning to implementation and growth.”
A highlight of the initiative is the InHERprise Market, a curated community marketplace that showcases women-led businesses, artisans, and aspiring entrepreneurs. Rosie notes that the market aims to promote entrepreneurship as a pathway to financial independence, especially for B40 women, single mothers, and youth.
“The market not only offers a platform for women to sell their products but also provides valuable real-world experience, confidence-building, and community support,” Rosie highlights. “It’s inspiring to see young girls and women stepping into leadership roles and demonstrating their entrepreneurial spirit.”
Rosie underscores the importance of structured capacity-building workshops prior to the market, which cover essential topics like branding, social media marketing, financial literacy, and self-presentation. “Our goal is to ensure participants are not just prepared, but genuinely empowered to succeed and inspire others.”
The workshop held at Zara’s Boutique Hotel yesterday saw 40 participants.-BNN
