On 29 September, close to 300 leaders, advocates, and changemakers gathered at SAGE 2025 to explore the theme Changing Mindsets in a Changing World. (In this number were 10 members from three Inner Wheel Clubs.) We dismantled stereotypes, challenged cultural narratives, and shared bold visions for an equal future for women and families in Singapore. The energy in the room was one of conviction, collaboration, and hope, reaffirming why conversations like these matter.
A Call for Equal Partnership and Inclusive Futures
Minister Masagos Zulkifli, Minister for Social and Family Development, opened the Summit by reflecting on Singapore’s journey since the passing of the Women’s Charter in 1961. He noted the significant progress made, with women achieving comparable education outcomes, entering leadership roles, and Singapore now ranked among the top 10 countries globally for gender equality and first in Asia Pacific.
Dismantling Stereotypes, Realising Rights
Keynote speaker Ms Bandana Rana, UN CEDAW Expert, delivered a powerful address on how deeply embedded gender stereotypes continue to shape norms, fuel violence, and reinforce systemic discrimination.
She reminded us that while policies and laws have advanced, mindsets remain the invisible barrier. Her call was clear: we must invest in gender-transformative education, demand accountability from institutions, support feminist movements, and sustain bold efforts for norm change. Without changing how we think, she stressed, we cannot change the world.
Leadership and Legacy
The Summit closed with an intimate conversation between Mr Ho Kwon Ping, Founder and Executive Chairman of Banyan Group, and Ms Junie Foo, Immediate Past President of SCWO. Drawing from his journey as a journalist, entrepreneur, and leader, Mr Ho reflected on the values and lived experiences that shaped his views on inclusive leadership. He spoke of how cultural narratives evolve, how allyship can be cultivated, and why values-driven leadership matters not only in boardrooms, but in shaping society itself. It was a fitting conclusion to the day, reminding us that legacies of equality are built through courage, reflection, and sustained action.
The Breakout Sessions attended were all well received. In the workshop on Interventions against Domestic Violence, making allies with men and entering into deep listening to their stories as well as respecting the need for women and families to decide what is best for them, came across. The GROW project of SCWO with other partners was explained – Growing Relationships is our Work. Getting the men to give testimonies to other men is one very powerful strategy.
The 10 Inner Wheel Members attending from three clubs, found the conference really enlightening and moving.
This report is taken from the SCWO email to participants with some changes to reflect the attendance and reactions of the Inner Wheel members who attended.
