Kota Kinabalu: ZARA Boutique Hotel founder and owner Datuk Eliza Goh said the initiative was inspired by earlier empowerment programmes focused on confidence, communication and self-development, aimed at creating a platform for authentic sharing among women.
“Motherhood is a privilege, but to be a career woman and a mother at the same time is a triple privilege,” she said.
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Eliza said motherhood should be viewed as a privilege while recognising the dual responsibilities carried by many women as caregivers and working professionals.
She highlighted the panel speakers as women from diverse backgrounds whose experiences offered insights into motherhood, leadership and life challenges.
Among them were Datuk Adeline Leong, whom she credited as an inspiration for the programme following her participation in an earlier empowerment session, and Datin Rachel Kumar, noted for openly sharing personal struggles and perspectives on motherhood.
She also highlighted entrepreneur Anne Antah, describing her as a quiet yet impactful figure with expertise in IT and social entrepreneurship, contributing to community-based initiatives.
Eliza said such exchanges of lived experiences were “priceless” and not easily found elsewhere, adding that the programme provided participants with rare opportunities for direct, honest sharing.
She thanked participants for their presence, saying their attendance gave meaning to the programme and reflected the importance of women supporting one another.
She also acknowledged media coverage as important in amplifying women’s voices and widening the reach of the discussions.
Meanwhile, organiser Siti Shaqila Zamzam said the programme was designed to create a safe space for women to discuss challenges in motherhood and life while learning from shared experiences.
She said the objective was to help participants understand how women navigate challenges as mothers, their aspirations for their children, and how they remain resilient despite difficulties.
Siti, who is involved in the Rotary Club of Kota Kinabalu Pearl, Sabah Women Entrepreneurs and Professionals Association (SWEPA) & Inner Wheel Club of Kota Kinabalu, said around 40 participants attended the session, with total attendance nearing 60.
