Women's advocate Rowindy Lawrence shares inspiring political journey
PENAMPANG (July 9): Rowindy Lawrence, Deputy Secretary of the United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) Malaysia Organising Committee and Chairman of the International Relations Bureau of UPKO Malaysia, recently shared her compelling political journey at the Women's Leadership Programme and Online Fraud Awareness Event held at Wisma IDS (Institute for Development Studies) on July 8.
Her narrative highlighted a steadfast commitment to women's empowerment and grassroots community development.
Rowindy's journey into politics began in 2010 when she joined UPKO, dedicating herself to serving the Kimanis Division. Her initial focus was on understanding and addressing the needs of local residents, fostering community-level development and progress.
By 2018, her leadership was recognized as she was tasked with establishing and leading the Kota Kinabalu Division's Women's Wing. She also took on the role of UPKO Women Exco Secretary, where she actively championed women's rights and empowerment, playing a crucial role in shaping policies aimed at uplifting women across Sabah.
In 2019, Rowindy's expertise led her to the position of Special Officer to the Sabah Minister of Rural Development.
In this capacity, she contributed to rural development projects and policies aimed at improving the livelihoods of underserved communities.
A significant chapter unfolded in 2022 when she was chosen as UPKO's sole female candidate, and notably, the first KadazanDusun-Murut Rungus (KDMR) woman to contest in the Kimanis constituency.
Despite feeling unprepared, the experience was enriching, requiring direct engagement with the grassroots to understand their needs and aspirations.
Though she did not win, she remains grateful to the 3,931 voters who supported her and continues to serve the Kimanis community.
Her political career marks a stark contrast to her previous work with Malaysia Airlines, where she focused on promoting Sabah's tourism industry. This shift, however, only strengthened her resolve to bring about meaningful change and serve her community.
'My political journey is deeply rooted in my unwavering advocacy for women's empowerment, a cause I believe must begin at the grassroots level,' Rowindy stated.
She emphasized that true leadership is about making a genuine difference in the lives of ordinary people, especially women who often face limited opportunities and poor living conditions.
She recounted a 'sobering experience' of visiting a remote village where a woman was giving her infant river water due to a lack of resources, highlighting the urgent need for change.
Rowindy, also a member of the UPKO Supreme Council, stressed that empowering women starts with education and awareness. It involves nurturing confidence, providing opportunities for growth, and fostering a culture that values women's voices. She believes that leadership should be rooted in service, compassion, and understanding, with real influence stemming from the ability to uplift others rather than from material wealth.
Her journey is a testament to her conviction that change must originate from within communities and from leaders who prioritize service over status. By championing grassroots initiatives and raising awareness about women's issues, Rowindy aims to inspire a new generation of leaders who prioritize community well-being over personal gain.
Her goal is a society where women are recognized as vital contributors to development and where empowerment is accessible to all.
'Women empowerment from the grassroots level is the foundation for building a more inclusive, equitable and progressive society,' she reiterated.
'True empowerment begins with education, awareness, and the development of confidence among women and girls, enabling them to participate actively in community decision-making and leadership roles.'
In her concluding remarks, Rowindy advised aspiring leaders not to wait for perfection before stepping into leadership roles, to work with sincerity and genuine commitment, and to be well-informed about government ministries and non-governmental organizations to ensure effective service.
Also speaking at the event were Kapayan State Assemblywoman Datuk Jannie Lasimbang and Institute Development of Studies Sabah (IDS) CEO Datuk Ramzah Dambul.
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