IWCS attends SCWO Women’s Empowerment & Gender Equality Dialogue

The dialogue brought together NGOs, welfare organizations, and government representatives to advance gender equality in Singapore. Representing IWCS, Club Correspondent Tushita Shukla and Sripriya Ganesh attended the event.

The panel featured Dr. Seow Yian San (SCWO President), Ms. Ong Ai Hua (Deputy Secretary, MSF), Ms. Ang Bee Lian (MSF Senior Advisor and SUSS Board Member, moderator), and Mr. Goh Pei Ming (Minister of State, MSF & MHA). Singapore’s achievements were highlighted — ranked #8 globally and #1 in Asia-Pacific for gender equality, with 96% female literacy and over half of university graduates being women.

Participants engaged in group discussions on key social issues such as work-life balance, caregiving, and positive masculinity. The growing caregiving burden on women was noted, with an estimated $1.28 billion in unpaid caregiving annually. Suggestions included expanding eldercare centres and promoting greater male participation in caregiving.

Speakers also shared policy updates on the Workplace Fairness Act, online safety, parental leave, and women’s health initiatives, alongside news of a pilot “Wellness Pod” in Marine Parade to support caregivers.

At the close, Tushita and Sripriya shared IWCS’s work with Mr. Goh Pei Ming, who responded with warm interest and encouragement.

By Tushita Shukla

IWCS

Nov 2025