1 Singapore women have made significant progress on various fronts, and have shaped our society at home, schools, workplaces and in the community over the years. Together, we can do more to support, empower and uplift our women so that they can achieve more for themselves, their families, and our society.
Understanding Issues Faced by Women
2 Since September 2020, the Government has organised a series of Conversations on Singapore Women’s Development, together with various community partners. They include the Singapore Council of Women’s Organisations, NTUC Women and Family Unit, People’s Association Women Integration Network Council and the National Youth Council. Feedback and ideas shared at the Conversations will be consolidated into a White Paper, which will be submitted to Parliament in the second half of 2021.
Progress of the Conversations
3 To date, 37 such sessions have been held involving over 1,800 participants1. They include youths, working mothers, homemakers, women leaders and men. A whole-of-society effort is imperative to further progress the lives of Singapore women, through the ongoing Conversations and the recommendations in the upcoming White Paper.
4 Participants have raised various issues in the Conversations thus far, including family violence and hurt and sexual offences against women. The Government has been looking into these areas to better support and protect women. For example, the Taskforce on Family Violence, co-chaired by Minister of State for Social and Family Development Sun Xueling and Minister of State for Home Affairs Muhammad Faishal, will take into account issues on family violence raised in the Conversations and develop recommendations to address them. The Taskforce will submit its recommendations to the Minister for Home Affairs and the Minister for Social and Family Development.
5 A recurring issue that has surfaced through the Conversations is the need for societal mindset shifts away from traditional gender roles where women are often the main caregiver and men the main breadwinner. To move away from these deep-rooted perceptions, we require the collective and active participation of individuals, families, corporate organisations and the community to create and implement solutions together to further the progress of our women and society. We also want to inculcate respect as a cornerstone of the relationship between men and women.
Celebrating SG Women
6 As we move forward as a nation towards greater equality between our men and women, we want to also celebrate the advancements and achievements made by Singapore women. We will also celebrate the men who help to debunk stereotypes, change mindsets and play an active role in supporting and uplifting women.
7 MSF has dedicated 2021 as the Year of Celebrating SG Women and we invite all Singaporeans to join us in celebrating the contributions of our mothers, sisters, daughters, friends and colleagues, and to rally behind their continued progress. We will celebrate how far we have come in Singapore’s history and key milestones we have achieved together.
8 We also invite Singaporeans to share their aspirations on how to further support and progress our women through the ongoing Conversations at go.gov.sg/sgwomen as we strive towards a more equitable and inclusive society.
Annex Translated Terms[70kb]
1 Accurate as of 5 March 2021