KUALA LUMPUR: Popular actress Rita Rudaini Mokhtar was named Ibu Ikon (Mothers' Icon) at Anugerah Wanita Ikon Malaysia 2024/2025 last Sunday.
The awards ceremony was held at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur in Jalan Putra and was attended by Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad, who presented Rita with the special award.
The event was organised by Kelab Wanita Ikon Malaysia with the support of the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry.
Rita, 48, said that she was most honoured to receive the award and dedicated it to all single mothers who worked hard to raise their children and also achieved success in their careers.
"I hope that this award will inspire all mothers to strive for the best in both their careers and their family life," said Rita in a Harian Metro report yesterday.
"From the bottom of my heart I want to thank the organisers for this recognition, which is a tribute to all single mothers who have successfully raised their children and given them the best in education and life."
Rita said that she had raised her two sons Airit Rayyan Rizqin, 15 and Airit Qaqa Arjuna, 13 with discipline and love, and they in turn had encouraged her to aim high in her acting career.
"In my opinion, all women who are mothers are icons to their children."
Rita said that many single mothers shined, but their stories were seldom told.
"I am one of the lucky ones whose journey has been in the spotlight since as an actress, I have received a lot of media coverage over the last 15 years."
Rita was previously married to footballer Mohd Aidil Zafuan Abdul Radzak from 2008 to 2013.
Their eldest child Rayyan recently attained outstanding semester examination results, with an average grade of 3.99 at the Mara Junior Science College (MRSM) in Sungai Besar, Selangor.
Rayyan also received the Principal's Award for attaining an average grade above 3.50, and doing well in extracurricular activities.