KUCHING: For many women here, celebrating International Women’s Day is not about grand events or formal ceremonies.
Instead, it is a time for gratitude and reflection – a moment to honour the women who shaped their lives, especially their mothers.
With International Women’s Day approaching, several women shared with Sarawak Tribune how they intend to mark the occasion, what it means to them, and their hopes for the future.
For 27-year-old Nur Hafizzah Yusof, the celebration begins at home.
She plans to spend quality time with her mother, siblings and close friends, describing it as a way to honour the circle of women who support and uplift her each day.
“To me, International Women’s Day is a dedicated moment to pause and recognise the profound sacrifices and quiet strength that women contribute to both the family unit and society at large,” she said.
Hafizzah described her mother as her greatest inspiration, calling her life “a masterclass in patience and fortitude”.
“Watching her navigate challenges with grace and prioritise the well-being of our family above her own needs has taught me the true definition of selfless leadership,” she added.
While she acknowledged progress in women breaking barriers in higher education and leadership roles, she noted that issues such as the gender pay gap and systemic discrimination still persist.
“True progress will only be achieved when a woman’s compensation and opportunities are defined by her talent and merit, rather than her gender,” she said, expressing hope for a world where every woman and girl has access to quality education and equal opportunities.
Similarly, teacher Anis Syafiqah, 29, said she has never celebrated International Women’s Day in a specific way but intends to appreciate herself this year.
“Sometimes, celebrating can be as simple as treating yourself to something you love and reminding yourself that you deserve appreciation too,” she said.
For Anis, the day symbolises a world where women are respected, valued and protected.
Like Hafizzah, she draws inspiration from her mother, whom she described as strong, remarkable and her greatest supporter.
In her view, women have made significant strides in education, careers and leadership, yet inequality and discrimination remain pressing challenges.
“My hope is that women’s voices will always be heard and valued.
“Women should uplift and support one another instead of hurting each other,” she said, adding that she hopes women will embody strength and wisdom, following the example of Saidatina Khadijah, known for her intelligence and noble character.
Book author Shield Sahran, 38, described Women’s Day as a “report card” that reflects the evolution of women over time.
“Women, who were once considered the ‘second gender’, have broken free from that stigma.
“Although some still face oppression, I believe women possess great resilience. They will rise again, becoming better and more empowered,” she said.
Shield also credited her mother as her source of inspiration. She recalled being taught that education, not physical appearance, defines a woman’s true beauty and success.
She observed that the social stigma discouraging women from pursuing higher education is gradually fading.
“Women now understand that the ‘kitchen’ is not just a place to cook – they can choose what kind of ‘kitchen’ they want in their lives,” she said, adding that educated mothers help nurture informed and progressive generations.
On a linguistic note, Shield pointed out that the Malay word ‘perempuan’ traces its roots to ‘empu’, meaning master or a respected owner – a reminder, she said, that women deserve dignity and respect.
Meanwhile, 21-year-old student Nur Aina Batrisyia Al Amen plans to mark the occasion in a personal and meaningful way by reaching out to the women in her life.
“I especially want to express my deepest gratitude to my mother, who has shaped me into the person I am today,” she said.
For Aina, International Women’s Day serves as a reminder that women are strong, intelligent and capable of achieving anything.
She noted the growing conversations around gender equality, mental health and women’s rights, but stressed that challenges such as unequal opportunities and persistent stereotypes remain.
“My hope is that every woman and girl grows up in a world where she feels safe, valued and empowered. When women stand together, there is nothing they cannot achieve,” she said.
Across generations – from student to teacher to author – one message stands clear: progress has been made, but the journey towards true equality continues.
For these four women, International Women’s Day is both a time of reflection and a call to action – honouring the sacrifices of the past while striving for a future where merit outweighs bias, opportunity knows no gender, and every girl can pursue her aspirations with confidence and dignity.
