Empowered Women Empower Women (Part 1)

Power For All Womankind is a virtual campaign that strives to fight and eradicate issues of injustice and inequality towards women. We have invited 30 real women of different ages, ethnicities, and social backgrounds to speak about life as a woman. Together, let’s understand and respect their amazing stories.

Aida Rashidi



Aida is a 24-year old woman who has beaten cancer not once, but twice. Although her family has been incredibly supportive in helping her win the fight against cancer, she realized that she had to believe in herself too. It was a scary and stressful time but she found her inner strength and came out stronger than ever. Her story was shared across local media outlets and love and support came pouring out for Aida; even from strangers. Ever since, she has been a firm believer in radiating kindness. She feels that one needs to always have a positive mindset in everything that one does or whatever situation one may be in.

Christy Ng



Christy is the founder and CEO of renowned fashion label, Christy Ng Shoes. Her success today is no easy feat. Starting from humble beginnings at local night markets, she built her brand entirely through determination. Though there were many naysayers around her; some even coming from her own family, she chose to instead believe in herself and find her self worth. She believes in learning from her mistakes and growing from failures without any loss of enthusiasm. She’s a believer that one should always strive to be a better person, regardless of how one may be perceived by others.

Noor Atikah Shafinaz



Atikah is a high school teacher and counsellor for mentally unstable students. Having struggled with finding her self-identity growing up, she strives to help her students find their own voice. She believes that nothing should stand in the way of you and your dreams, no matter how big they may seem. Having a strong support system is also key so she aims to provide her students with the support they never knew they needed. She believes that one should never feel the need to change for others; be bold, be confident and live life to the fullest.

Dr Denise Kok



Dr Denise is a medical doctor dedicated to being on the frontline. She had been living away from home for over 4 years as she worked outstation in Penang and Sarawak so mental health has always been a priority to her; especially since she is on her own for the majority of the time. As a former national Taekwondo athlete, she had experienced her fair share of gender discrimination from people who thought it was too masculine a sport for a girl. However, she’s a firm advocate in finding one’s voice and worth, without anyone or anything coming between that.

Shevon Lai Jemie



Shevon is a professional Malaysian badminton player. She finds great inspiration through her family and faith and believes very strongly in living life to the fullest. Having been in the court for over 10 years, she’s a true embodiment of strength and perseverance. She believes in always putting your wellbeing first before anything else. Society and even those around you will always find a way to put you down so it’s up to you to set your ground and find your worth. Her advice is for one to stand tall and stay true to oneself. Embrace your strength and beauty for there’s only one of you.

Ashwini Balagopal



Ashwini is a child psychologist. Thankful to have grown up in a loving and secure childhood with supportive parents, she has always seen the need to help others. She found great inspiration in her late mother; a primary school teacher who would go out of the way to help her students, especially those from vulnerable families. Having worked at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) for 7 years, she hopes to continually advocate and give children the voice they need. Also a firm believer in equality, she believes women should never have to feel inferior but rather we need to learn to accept and embrace everyone equally. One should be brave, fearless and passionate in all that one does.

Celeste Chung



Celeste is a youth activist for gender equality, who believes in doing what you love. As long as you’re passionate about what you do, she’s certain that nothing really matters then. She always ensures to take care of herself physically, mentally and emotionally. From a young age, she had always been ambitious despite having voices trying to silence her. She believes that life is always a learning process hence be empowered and envision one’s best self. Then, show up for her every single day and grow together.

Chef Anis Nabilah



Chef Anis Nabilah is a renowned celebrity chef, known for her bubbly personality. Her mother once told her to make a difference in all that she does in life. Holding that advice close to heart, she’s always inspired to help people learn and take on cooking as a basic life skill. She believes that although a certain industry may be predominantly taken up by a certain gender, it shouldn’t stop you from doing what you love. Instead, use it as a fuel to push yourself further. For every doubt and negativity she receives, she tells herself that nothing's impossible if you put your mind, heart and effort to it. She believes in the power of spending time with oneself and one’s passion.

Dr Kayla Teh



Dr Kayla is a dentist and TV host, adored by many. She feels that we often tend to forget that we all have a purpose in life and that is to better the world. The best way to do so is simply by challenging yourself to level up and do better whether it be at your job or even your mindset. Learn to break your boundaries and expand your potential because only then can you make the world a better place. Although there are bound to be naysayers when you’re on the journey to accomplishments, she always believes in standing up for yourself. Embrace oneself and be the change you wish to see in this world.

Wong Lieat Hiong



Lieat Hiong has been an educator for over 22 years. She’s an incredibly passionate and dedicated educator who always puts her students first. She believes that we must all have the courage to do the right thing. Stand up for what you believe in and find ways that you can help others. Working with and for what you love is important for this is how she deals with any discriminatory remarks. As such, she hopes for the society to learn to make one’s happiness a priority.

We are immensely grateful to have these incredible women join us on this journey of empowerment. Join us next week for more inspiring stories by these women!