Noni’s book hopes to inspire women to achieve greater heights

KOTA KINABALU (Oct 6): Datuk Noni J. Said, the former Deputy State Secretary of Sabah, has written a book to inspire women to achieve greater heights.

Empowered by Noni is not merely a memoir; it is a powerful testament to the strength of values in shaping a life of integrity, purpose, and social impact, according to the review by author Dr Victor SL Tan.

Through her deeply personal narrative, Noni provides readers with a compelling account of how her unwavering commitment to principles has guided her to success and fuelled her relentless fight for gender equality.

This book is an inspiring read for anyone who seeks to lead with integrity, humility, and compassion while advocating for the rights of others, particularly women.

Noni’s journey is rooted in the values instilled in her from a young age by her parents, who were paragons of integrity.

Raised in a household where honesty and ethical consistency were not just preached but practiced, Noni learned early on the importance of aligning one’s actions with one’s principles. Integrity, as she describes it, is the cornerstone of trust and credibility, both in personal relationships and professional endeavours. This commitment to doing what is right, even when faced with difficult choices, has been the defining feature of Noni’s leadership style throughout her illustrious career.

Her transparency and accountability have not only earned her the respect of her peers but have also positioned her as a role model for the next generation, including her own children.

Noni’s emphasis on integrity serves as a powerful reminder that true leadership is built on moral courage and the ability to maintain ethical standards in every aspect of life.

A central theme that runs through every chapter of Noni’s life is her relentless fight for equality and freedom for women. Her advocacy for women’s rights is not a peripheral aspect of her story but the very core of her life’s mission.

As a woman who ascended to some of the highest positions in the public sector, including the role of Deputy State Secretary of Sabah, Noni has faced and overcome significant gender-based challenges.

Her fight for equality is deeply personal, rooted in her belief that women should not only strive for but are entitled to the same opportunities as men.

Noni’s efforts to advance women’s rights extend beyond her own career; she has been a vocal advocate for systemic changes that ensure women are judged on their merits rather than their gender.

Her advocacy is not just about fulfilling quotas but about creating a merit-based system where opportunities and rewards are earned based on abilities, efforts, and contributions rather than favouritism or arbitrary criteria.

Noni’s belief in meritocracy has been a guiding force in her life, particularly in her efforts to break down barriers for women in leadership. She pursued higher education not just to gain knowledge but to ensure that she was fully qualified for the leadership roles she aspired to. Her success in reaching top positions in various organizations reflects her unwavering commitment to meritocracy.

Throughout her career, Noni has consistently encouraged others, especially women, to adopt the same approach, arguing that self-improvement and continuous learning are key to overcoming societal constraints and achieving true equality. Her advocacy for a merit-based system is a call to empower women to achieve and exceed expectations through hard work and dedication, rather than relying on external validation or preferential treatment.

Humility is another cornerstone of Noni’s character, and it has played a crucial role in her leadership and advocacy for women’s rights. In a world where power often breeds arrogance, Noni’s humility has kept her grounded, allowing her to remain open to learning from others, regardless of their status or experience.

She recounts numerous instances in her career where her willingness to seek advice and learn from younger or less experienced colleagues led to greater collaboration and more effective leadership.

This humility is not just a personal trait but a strategic approach that has enabled her to build strong, inclusive teams. By fostering an environment where everyone’s contributions are valued, Noni has created a sense of community and shared purpose, both in her professional life and within her family.

Pride is another value that plays a significant role in Noni’s journey, particularly in her advocacy for women’s rights. Noni distinguishes between destructive pride, which can lead to arrogance, and constructive pride, which fuels motivation and personal growth. Her sense of pride is deeply rooted in her achievements as a woman who has fought against societal norms to reach the pinnacle of success. She takes pride in her work and accomplishments, not as a means of boasting but as a way of demonstrating that women can and should be proud of their successes. This sense of pride is a powerful motivator, driving Noni to continue her fight for gender equality and to encourage other women to take pride in their own achievements. It is a reminder that pride, when rooted in hard work and dedication, can be a positive force that inspires others to pursue their goals with confidence and determination.

Noni holds education and continuous learning in the highest regard, viewing them as essential components of personal and professional advancement. For Noni, education is not just about acquiring knowledge but about empowering oneself to achieve one’s full potential. Her own academic pursuits, which include multiple degrees, underscore her belief in the importance of lifelong learning. Noni’s dedication to education is not limited to her personal achievements; she has also fostered a culture of learning within her family and professional circles. She has always encouraged her children to pursue their academic goals with diligence, understanding that education provides the foundation for future success. In her leadership roles, Noni has prioritized training and development, ensuring that her team members are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills. For Noni, the pursuit of knowledge is a collective effort to uplift and empower others, particularly women, to break free from societal constraints and achieve true equality.

Compassion is another value that has deeply influenced Noni’s life and her advocacy for women’s rights.

Inspired by her father’s empathy and generosity, Noni has always been driven to help those in need, particularly women who have been marginalized or disadvantaged. She recounts a formative experience from her childhood when her father allowed a struggling single mother to continue purchasing groceries on credit, despite her inability to pay. This act of kindness left a lasting impression on Noni, teaching her that compassion should extend beyond one’s immediate family to include the broader community. Throughout her life, Noni has found fulfilment in charitable work, particularly in supporting the poor, orphans, and individuals with disabilities. Her compassion is not just about offering financial assistance; it is about listening, understanding, and providing emotional support to those who are struggling. This value has also been a guiding principle in her leadership, where she has always sought to create a supportive and inclusive environment for her team, ensuring that women have the support they need to succeed.

Self-empowerment is a recurring theme in Noni’s narrative, particularly in her advocacy for women’s rights.

She believes that individuals must take responsibility for their own lives and make proactive decisions to achieve their goals. Noni’s message is clear: waiting for others to improve your situation is not an option.

Instead, she encourages taking control of one’s destiny, overcoming obstacles, and seizing opportunities.

This empowerment is not just about external achievements but also about developing inner strength and resilience. Noni’s own life is a testament to the power of self-empowerment, as she has consistently taken bold steps to advance her career and overcome challenges. She has instilled this value in her children, encouraging them to be confident, ambitious, and self-reliant. For Noni, self-empowerment is the key to breaking free from societal constraints and achieving true equality and freedom.

Gratitude, the final value discussed in Noni’s book, is portrayed as a powerful force that enhances one’s appreciation for life’s blessings. Noni emphasizes the importance of recognizing and being thankful for the support, kindness, and opportunities one receives. Gratitude, she explains, is not just about acknowledging the positive aspects of life but also about appreciating the efforts of others who contribute to one’s success.

Throughout her journey, Noni has made it a point to express her gratitude to those who have helped her along the way, from family members to colleagues and mentors. This sense of gratitude has not only strengthened her relationships but has also provided her with a deeper sense of fulfilment and contentment. In the context of her fight for women’s rights, gratitude serves as a reminder that progress is often the result of collective efforts, and acknowledging the contributions of others is crucial in sustaining the momentum for change.

This book, Empowered was endorsed by 18 powerful and prominent people with the Foreword written by Tan Sri Simon Sipaun, former State Secretary of Sabah and former Vice Chairman of Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam).

It will be launched on Oct 26 at The Ark Event Space, Sri Hartamas, Kuala Lumpur. The book will be available for sale at the launch. And later will be distributed at MPH and Popular Bookstores.

The book is also currently being translated in Bahasa Malaysia. Another book launch in Bahasa as well as English version will be held at end of the year in Kota Kinabalu