BY NURIN PATRA & KAREN MASING
KUCHING: A new chapter in Sarawak’s history of women empowerment was written today with the official launch of ‘Tan Sri Datuk Seri Empiang: A Legacy of Empowering Dayak Women’ at the Hilton Hotel today.
Co-authored with Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities UNIMAS senior lecturer, Dr Regina Garai, and Associate Professor Dr Neilson Ilan Mersat, the biography chronicles Tan Sri Datuk Seri Empiang Jabu’s early life in rural Sarawak, her role as the wife and political partner of former Deputy Chief Minister, Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang, and and most significantly, her leadership of Sarakup Indu Dayak Sarawak (SIDS).
Empiang shared that her life struggles, lessons learned, and quiet victories so often unseen, are attributed to the countless sacrifices, resilience and determination of her parents to introduce her to the wonder of education.
“Indeed, education give voice to the experiences that shaped and influenced me to persevere in my dreams that propelled me forward even when the road ahead seemed uncertain.
“The decision to pen my biography stems from a simple belief that every life holds stories worth telling, and that every memory, every experience, deserves to be honoured and remembered.
“I hold steadfast to the belief that education is a very powerful catalyst for the empowerment of our Dayak women in rural areas.
“A light that can give opportunities to endless possibilities,” she said.
She said this in her speech during the launching of her book which was officiated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at Hilton Hotel here today.
Empiang also noted that the book is not merely a record of her past, but a reflection of the lessons she has learned along the way.
“If even one reader finds courage, comfort, or inspiration within these pages, then this labour of love will have been truly worthwhile.
“Thank you once again to Dr Regina Garai and Professor Datuk Dr Neilson llan Mersat, whose exceptional patience, dedication and scholarly insight have brought this narrative to life,” she added.
For the record, the launch featured a symbolic unveiling ceremony, where the Premier slid open a panel to reveal a replica of the book cover.
This was followed by the placement of signatures on the book replica and the presentation of the first copy of the book by Empiang to Abang Johari.
