Disabled Woman Crowned WIM Inspirational Woman Of The Year

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 21 (Bernama) -- Disabled woman Sharinah Mohd Nor was crowned the winner of the Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Women Institute of Management (WIM) 2011 Inspirational Woman of the year Award, at a gala awards ceremony, here tonight.

The award was presented to Sharinah by WIM Honorary Life Member Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali and witnessed by Chairman of WIM board, Tan Sri Napsiah Omar.

Also present at the event was former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Dr Siti Hasmah said the award spotlights women who had undergone tremendous struggle in their lives but were able to surmount them and still come through with the compassion to help others in similar circumstances.

"I urge WIM to continue in these areas of training and also to focus on women's health issues," she said during her speech.

The other finalists were Sungai Siput MIC Women Leader, K.Saroja, President of Food Assistance Organisation and Penampang Welfare (Permak) Datuk Elizabeth Maurice, Executive Director of Petaling Jaya Live Arts Sdn Bhd Choong Lai Ling, and Pahang MIC Deputy Women Leader, M.Saressa.

Sharinah, a mother of four children, works as a volunteer at the Social Institute of Malaysia, under the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry.

Sharinah who was born without both her lower limbs, got around using her knees until she received a pair of prosthetics when she was 19 years old.

After her gruelling journey to complete the Sijil Tinggi Pelajaran Malaysia (STPM), she moved on to obtain a degree and a masters in Art and Design from Universiti Teknologi Mara (UITM) and is curently pursuing her PhD in Education at UITM.

"I have not made my disability and lack of physical perfection as an excuse in my life, although it was not easy and was very challenging," she said.

Sharinah, 49, received the Award Challenge Trophy and a RM10,000 cash prize from WIM.

She also received an additional RM20,000 from Etiqa Insurance & Takaful, a RM15,000 set of pearl necklace from Rafflesia Pearls; crystal and china ware from Tiffany & Co worth RM15,000; and an RM8,000 designer handbag.

All five finalists were presented with Melvin Lam designer gowns and shoes by Tiamo.

The award was initiated in June 2003 in conjunction with WIM's 10th Annivesarry celebrations.

It is in line with the aspiration of WIM to honour women from disadvantaged backgrounds who have had to overcome great challenges and adversities to succeed in life.