Taking action for Singaporean Women – Let Us Make A Pledge!
in this new modern era are juggling multiple roles and responsibilities. As we celebrate SG Women this year, PAP Women’s Wing and Young PAP of the People’s Action Party have put up 12 recommendations to tackle issues affecting Singaporean women today. This first joint submission by the Women’s Wing and Young PAP seeks to address these challenges and help Singaporean women thrive, especially in a post-COVID world.
The 2 hours conference was held virtually on zoom with more than 500 prominent women leaders, personalities, and activists who attended the zoom that was organized along three tracks: Changing Mindsets, Leaning In, and Taking Action Forward.
Mrs. Josephine Teo, Chairwoman of the PAP Women’s Wing, shared that our women in Singapore have shaped and bettered every aspect of our Singapore society with their contributions.
“We have come a long way, and we are not stopping the charge ahead. From the many perspectives today, we know that a woman wants to realize her fullest potential and pursue her ambitions and passions fearlessly. More can be done collectively towards taking action to support, protect and empower every one of them.”. – Mrs. Josephine Teo, Women’s Wing Chairwoman
Ms. Eunice Olsen, Ms. Elaine Tan, Dr. Filza Aslam, Mdm Ho Geok Choo, and Ms. Cheryl Chan in the panel discussion on changing mindsets.
For Changing Mindsets, Mdm Ho Geok Choo, retired Member of Parliament; Elaine Tan, Deputy Director of Communications and Partnerships of St Luke’s Eldercare; Eunice Olsen, former nominated MP and Dr. Filza Aslam, Medical Science Liaison, shared their personal stories on carving out their own paths of success. In Leaning In, the audience heard from Kevin Goh and Fannie Lim, a married couple with a different take on parental responsibilities; Mary Heng, an advocate for children with Down syndrome; and renowned harpist and music therapist Fontane Liang on the importance of an ecosystem of support for women to overcome challenges.
In the final panel discussion on taking action forward, Mrs. Teo, also Minister for Communications and Information & Second Minister for Home Affairs, together with Ms. Joan Poh, Olympian rower; Ms. Cindy Chng, Partner of TomoWorkSG; and Mr. Chee Zhi Kin, Chief Executive Officer of Sprouts Hub, discussed the aspirations of young Singaporean women and what we could do to help them succeed.
In his remarks to the conference, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong urged all attendees: “Let us all work together to address the most pressing concerns faced by women – whether at home, at workplaces, in school, or in the community – to empower Singapore women to pursue their passions and dreams, and achieve their fullest potential. And in so doing, enable Singaporeans, both men, and women, to thrive for generations to come.”
Fittingly, the Conference also saw the launch of the #ActionForHer initiative. Over the next six months, the Party would be encouraging Singaporeans to pledge their support toward our women in Singapore. The initiative invites everyone to consider and take one action for a woman in their lives – be it a female colleague or employee, friend, or family member. Through this, #ActionForHer invokes the realization that more needs to be done for our women, and inspires involvement in their progress now and in the future.
Minister Mrs. Josephine Teo, Ms Joan Poh, Mr Chee Zhi Kin, Ms Cindy Chng and Ms Chan Hui Yuh in the panel discussion on taking action forward.
I am feeling privileged and aspired by the COMRADES and the panelists’ speeches and that also encouraged me & my partner, Melissa, together with the team to “PAY IT FORWARD” and get our ladies connected, learn and grow together!
Let us take this opportunity to question dated norms, shift mindsets, and inspire real actions in the community. Together, we can empower women to live out their fullest potential, and pursue what they want in life.
Step up. Step forward. Chip in.
“Your action be it big or small can make a difference to her, to her future,”
Let us join support this effort to MAKE A PLEDGE till 8 Mar 2022!
With Love & Gratitude,
Jenny Lee
Founder of The Ladies Cue & The Babies Cue