Photo shows Dr Joachim (right) receiving a token of appreciation from Epin.
By JT
KOTA KINABALU: Deputy Chief Minister I cum Minister of Works and Utilities, Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam welcomes the proposal by the Sabah Women Entrepreneurs and Professionals Association (Swepa) to carry out a community health project focusing on women and families in rural areas, including his Kundasang constituency.
President of Swepa Betty Bridget Epin conveyed the association’s proposal on women empowerment and community health to Dr Joachim during a courtesy call by a nine-member delegation led by her at the latter’s office on Tuesday.
The DCM noted that the proposed community health project is in tandem with Swepa’s aim to raise health awareness and uplift the standard of rural community health with emphasis on women and children towards expanding women’s participation in socio-economic development in Sabah.
“It is a meaningful project that will greatly benefit the rural populace. I fully support Swepa’s initiative. By doing so, the association is complementing the government’s efforts to improve the people’s overall well-being,” Dr Joachim said.
During the meeting which served as a platform to exchange views on potential cooperation, Epin explained that the proposed programme includes breast and cervical cancer screening, nutrition education aimed at preventing non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and mental health initiatives tailored for women entrepreneurs and working mothers.
On Swepa’s goal to secure support and cooperation from various parties, including the State government,
towards realising the community health project, Dr Joachim assured that he will review and support the association’s plan to work with relevant state agencies to explore possibilities for funding and logistical assistance.
“We have had a good discussion with the Minister, and look forward to collaboration with the government to ensure the project reaches families across the Kundasang area,” Epin said.
The Swepa President also briefed the DCM on the association’s role and initiatives in empowering women, especially in the field of entrepreneurship, through education and training, and in community development as a whole.
Also present were Swepa Vice-President Suryani Mohd Saidi, Immediate Past President Karen Wong, Executive Secretary Emmie Luhiman, Honorary Assistant Secretary Datin Medlina Lubiren, Treasurer Jennifer Ho, Assistant Treasurer Cathy Molly, and Committee Members Dora Voon and Janet Delvo.
