by: Dr Abigail Rembui anak Jerip
edited by: Ahmad Junaidi bin Ahmad Hadzmy
photos by: Fitzpatrick anak Ricky Guing
In conjunction with this year’s Women’s Day celebration, we interviewed 5 remarkable women about the challenges they face as a woman in their field, what inspires them and their advice to other women who are chasing their dreams.
Navigating a career in medicine, particularly in Obstetrics, Gynecology, and fertility, has been a journey filled with intense demands, long hours, and the need for emotional resilience. However, beyond these personal challenges, one of the most significant battles I’ve faced is addressing systemic inequities in women’s healthcare access.
Women in rural and underserved communities often lack the resources, education, and support necessary for proper reproductive and cervical health. Overcoming these challenges has never been about proving myself right; it’s about proving my conviction right—that equitable access to healthcare is a fundamental right, not a privilege.
To address these issues, I co-founded an NGO dedicated to eliminating cervical cancer in remote areas. Our organization focuses on raising awareness and providing preventive care to women who need it most. This proactive approach ensures that change is not dependent on waiting for systemic shifts but is driven by direct action and community engagement.
For young women starting their careers or personal journeys, it’s crucial to understand that other people’s perceptions do not define your essence. As a junior doctor, I often faced misconceptions about my role, but I learned to own my voice and hold it steady. Consistency in effort and knowing your support system are key to navigating challenges and achieving growth.
My biggest mentor has been my father, the first feminist I ever knew. He believed in my potential and ensured I had equitable access to education and opportunities. His unwavering support shaped my journey and inspired me to lift others as he did for me. Because of him, I see my work not as a fight but as a collaborative effort to empower other women.
Empowerment comes from both significant milestones and everyday victories. Whether it’s seeing a state task force for cervical cancer elimination or witnessing mothers go home with healthy babies after difficult deliveries, these moments reinforce the importance of our work. The camaraderie among women in the labor room, supporting each other through life’s defining moments, is a testament to the collective strength of women.
True equity in women’s rights and healthcare goes beyond equal pay and rights; it requires understanding and respecting physiological differences. Policies should honor these differences, such as period leave, equitable maternal and paternal leave, and flexible hours for parents. Additionally, there must be a focus on reproductive healthcare and gynecological cancer screening, especially in regions like Sarawak, where fertility and birth rates are declining.
Ultimately, equality is not about fitting women into a system designed for men but about redesigning the system so that both men and women can thrive. By creating policies that empower rather than restrict, we can ensure that women live in full color, long after menopause, and that our communities continue to flourish.
The journey to overcoming challenges in women’s healthcare is ongoing, but with resilience, advocacy, and a commitment to equitable access, we can make significant strides. By stepping in, speaking up, and creating solutions, we can ensure that every woman receives the care and support she deserves.
