In Singapore, only 24% (24 of 100) of current Members of Parliament are women. This is below the 30% benchmark often identified as the necessary level of representation to achieve a “critical minority”, rather than a token few individuals. It goes without saying that this figure also fails to proportionately represent women in Singapore, who make up half of the nation’s population.

In her speech on International Women’s Day last year, Manpower Minister Josephine Teo called for a “concerted effort” to encourage women to enter politics. Yet women politicians still face higher barriers and more gendered social expectations than men do – as made clear by the recent case of a female MP’s photograph being doctored in a sexual manner.

Can there be a level playing field for women in politics? How can we address underlying gender inequalities and the sexism that women politicians have to deal with on an everyday basis? Join AWARE for this panel event, where we speak to NMP Anthea Ong, MP Sylvia Lim and MP Tin Pei Ling about their experiences navigating the local political scene.

Moderator: Anita Kapoor

Speakers (bios below):

• NMP Anthea Ong
• MP Sylvia Lim, Workers’ Party
• MP Tin Pei Ling, People’s Action Party

When: 18 March 2020, 7-9pm
Where: The Projector, Blue Room, 6001 Beach Road, #05-00, Golden Mile Tower, Singapore 199589
Cost: $5 (Light refreshments will be provided)

Dinner will be served at 6.30pm.

This event is supported by High Commission of Canada.

Please note that this event is strictly off the record. No press coverage please.

This event is sold out. Apologies!

Speakers

NMP Anthea Ong

Anthea Ong is a Nominated Member of Parliament, impact entrepreneur and investor, and life and executive coach. She has founded several ground-up initiatives/impact businesses, including A Good Space and the silent teabar Hush TeaBar. She has served on the boards of organisations such as Unifem (now UN Women) and Daughters of Tomorrow, and is Immediate Past President of Society for WINGS. Her book 50 Shades of Love was published in December 2018. She has also traveled to all seven continents and over 75 countries, including Antarctica and Mt Everest Base Camp.

MP Sylvia Lim

Sylvia Lim spent her adult working years in law enforcement, legal practice and teaching at a polytechnic, and joined the Workers’ Party in 2001. She currently serves as Member of Parliament, Aljunied GRC and has been Chair of the Workers’ Party since 2003. Her various roles have enabled her to see society through a wide lens and to contribute towards society-building. She firmly believes in the ethos of public service and that political participation is essential in a democracy. She is also a lifelong learner, and in the last few years has obtained qualifications in criminal justice, international relations and wine.

MP Tin Pei Ling

Tin Pei Ling is currently the Member of Parliament for MacPherson SMC and Chief Executive Officer of Business China, a non-profit organisation that harnesses the support of the public sector and private enterprises to strengthen the ties between Singapore and China. Pei Ling  has been an elected Member of Parliament since 2011 and has served as a member or vice chairperson of multiple committees, including the Public Accounts Committee, the Home Affairs and Law Committee, the Social and Family Development Committee, the Health Committee, and the Communications and Press Committee. She is also a member of the Executive Committee of PAP’s Women’s Wing.

Anita Kapoor
Anita Kapoor is a presenter, sacred leadership advocate and transformation coach, and an intuitive. Her career began in publishing, led her to television, emcee and voiceover work and today she facilitates events, conversations, panels, and healing circles. She has spoken at TEDx in Singapore twice and is a grateful to be able to use her voice for equality, self awareness and healing. She was born in Mumbai, and has lived in Singapore since she was 7.