AWARE stalwart Kanwaljit Soin was one of few women named in the list of “personalities who have helped engineer this country’s DNA”. The article entitled The Power List: 30 People Who Have Shaped Singapore appeared on CNN Go, the network’s online travel portal, in October.

The story said Soin, AWARE president from 1991 to 1993, was “a much-needed female presence” in parliament and one of the most well-known names in Singapore’s women’s rights movement. Soin’s greatest contribution to Singapore – her work resulting in the introduction of Personal Protection Orders for victims of domestic abuse – was sadly not mentioned.

She came in three places ahead of “power couple” Mr and Mrs Lee Kuan Yew, but was beaten to the number spot by – wait for it – Makansutra’s KF Seetoh. Go figure.

Whatever the case, the AWARE team is glad to see such a champion of women’s issues like Kanwaljit being recognised for her work. Congrats from all of us!