Women Empowerment Advocacy through her Life Story

8 July 2025

PENAMPANG: During the Women’s Leadership Programme and Online Fraud Awareness Event at Wisma IDS (Institute for Development Studies) on Sunday, Rowindy Lawrence, United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) Deputy Secretary of the UPKO Malaysia Organising Committee and Chairman of the International Relations Bureau of UPKO Malaysia shared her political journey.

Her political journey began in 2010 when she joined UPKO and dedicated herself to serving the grassroots community within the Kimanis Division. From the very beginning, she was committed to understanding and addressing the needs of local residents, working closely with them to foster development and progress at the community level.

By 2018, her leadership qualities and dedication were recognised by the UPKO leadership, who entrusted her with the responsibility of helping to establish and lead the Kota Kinabalu Division’s Women’s Wing. She also took on the role of UPKO Women Exco Secretary, where she continued to champion women’s rights and empowerment within the party, playing a vital part in shaping policies and initiatives aimed at uplifting women across Sabah.

In 2019, her dedication and expertise led to her being offered the position of Special Officer to the Sabah Minister of Rural Development (Kementerian Pembangunan Luar Bandar Sabah). In this capacity, she worked closely with government officials, contributing to rural development projects and policies that aimed to improve the livelihoods of underserved communities. Her journey reflects a steadfast commitment to public service, driven by a desire to make a tangible difference in the lives of ordinary people.

 However, in 2022, she was entrusted by the party to step forward as the sole female candidate for UPKO, and notably, the first KadazanDusun-Murut Rungus (KDMR) woman to contest in the Kimanis constituency.

Although she did not feel fully prepared at the time, the experience proved to be inspiring and enriching, as it required her to engage directly with the grassroots, spending time with ordinary people to genuinely understand their needs and aspirations.

Although she did not win, she has never ceased to serve the Kimanis community and remains deeply grateful to the 3,931 voters who placed their trust in her.

This new chapter was a stark contrast to her original career path and life experiences, which were largely rooted in her work with Malaysia Airlines, particularly in promoting Sabah’s tourism Industry.

Nonetheless, this difference did not serve as a deterrent to her dedication and enthusiasm for her political endeavours. Instead, it strengthened her resolve to make meaningful change and to serve her community with genuine commitment.

“My political journey is deeply rooted in my unwavering advocacy for women’s empowerment, a cause I believe must begin at the grassroots level. For me, true leadership is not about material grandeur, owning large cars, wealth, or mansions, but about making a genuine difference in the lives of ordinary people, especially women who often face the harsh realities of limited opportunities and poor living conditions.”

“My journey has taken me to remote villages and underserved communities, where I witnessed firsthand the struggles women endure daily. I remember visiting a village where women, despite their resilience, live in conditions that are often heart-breaking, lacking access to proper healthcare, education, and basic necessities,” she said, adding that she had seen a woman giving her infant water to drink from the river, due to lack of resources to buy milk.

“It was a sobering experience that strengthened my resolve.  Change begins with awareness and action on the ground.”

Rowindy who is also a member of UPKO Supreme Council, emphasises that empowering women starts with education and awareness. It’s about 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. Her message to aspiring leaders is clear, real influence and respect come from the ability to uplift others and address their needs, not from outward displays of wealth.

Her political journey is thus a testament to her conviction that change must start from within communities and from the minds of those who seek to lead. By championing grassroots initiatives and raising awareness about women’s issues, Rowindy hopes to inspire a new generation of leaders who prioritise service over status, and community well-being over material gain. Her aim is a society where women are recognised as vital contributors to development, and where empowerment is accessible to all, regardless of social standing.

“Women empowerment from the grassroots level is the foundation for building a more inclusive, equitable, and progressive society. 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. It is about fostering an environment where women are valued for their ideas, skills, and contributions, regardless of material possessions or social status,” she reiterated.

“In conclusion, I would like to emphasise that you should not wait for perfection before stepping into the role of a leader. Secondly, it is essential to work and serve with sincerity and genuine commitment. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, be well-informed. Take the time to understand the various ministries available to us, the services they provide, and their respective functions. This principle also applies to non-governmental organisations; knowledge and understanding are key to effective service and leadership.”

Also speaking during the event were Kapayan State Assemblywoman Datuk Jannie Lasimbang and Institute Development of Studies Sabah (IDS) CEO Datuk Ramzah Dambul.