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Year: 2023

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On the expanded definitions of family violence and other changes to the Women’s Charter Bill

AWARE celebrates the passing of the Women’s Charter (Family Violence and Other Matters) (Amendment) Bill on 4 July 2023 in Parliament.

We were especially heartened to hear Minister of State Sun Xueling state that controlling behaviours, such as those seen in coercive control, will now be covered under the Women’s Charter. For far too long, violence has been misunderstood as primarily physical in nature, resulting in many victim-survivors of non-physical violence going unheard. This wider definition of family violence will empower more survivors to speak out and seek help.

We hope that a set of guidelines or a fact sheet can be published to complement these updates and clearly state what different types of abuse comprise, i.e. physical, emotional/psychological and sexual abuse. This will help practitioners in the justice system and support services as well as the general public.

With understanding of coercive control increasing of late, AWARE has been exploring ways to expand the scope of case management and befriending services to survivors of coercive control, beyond our current helpline, counselling and legal clinic. We plan to roll these changes out soon, while continuing our ongoing research, advocacy and public education efforts.

Other Observations

  • In her speech, MOS Sun also stated that MSF would, alongside partners and stakeholders, study the possibility of including financial abuse in the definition of family violence. We keenly await more developments in this area, and hope financial abuse can be covered to ensure comprehensive protection against all forms of family violence.
  • MP Louis Chua sought clarification on the need for an age limit to apply for Personal Protection Orders (PPOs), citing concern about youths under 18 who face family violence but are unable to rely on family members or other persons to apply for PPOs. Though MOS Sun explained that protectors will be able to apply for PPOs on behalf of minors, we worry that other barriers might prevent minors from accessing protectors’ assistance and obtaining PPOs. We therefore hope that MSF will consider providing additional kinds of support to this group.
  • MP Louis Chua also reiterated the importance of raising public awareness about family violence and encouraging bystander intervention. He proposed more holistic support for survivors via access to housing, timely employment, immigration support, mental health and psychological support. We echo this call for greater support, particularly for migrant spouses and children, who typically face more precarity in Singapore.
  • MP Louis Ng raised concerns over the electronic monitoring arrangements (including bilateral monitoring, i.e. of both perpetrator and survivor) that will be put in place if there is a risk of PPOs being breached. Having expressed similar concerns when the bill was first tabled, we urge MSF to take into consideration the impact on survivors when implementing electronic monitoring.
  • We are glad to hear that MSF is considering the possibility of enacting a standalone Domestic Violence Act to enhance protection for persons in intimate, non-familial relationships. We look forward to more details on this.

27 September 2023: Sexual Assault First Responder Training (Online Session)

“Are you sure that happened? Why didn’t you fight back? You should have known better.” These are some common responses survivors of sexual assault have heard, which may further their feelings of doubt, guilt and shame.

It is not always easy for survivors to tell someone about what happened; in fact, for some survivors, it can be especially daunting. So the way their loved ones respond becomes pivotal in their journey of recovery. First response that is sensitive to a survivor’s needs and choices is necessary in preventing re-victimisation.

This Sexual Assault First Responder Training helps familiarise participants with trauma reactions and symptoms to better contribute to a survivor’s well-being. In this workshop, we will share more on the following:

  • Definition of sexual assault and harassment
  • Recognising Singapore’s legal framework
  • Understanding consent
  • Understanding the impact of sexual assault and trauma on survivors
  • Role of a first responder
  • Providing support to survivors of sexual assault
  • Resources available for help
  • Key skills such as ensuring safety, active listening and empathy

We want this workshop to be accessible to everyone, and require your generous contribution to keep it running. While you are welcome to give any amount you wish, we suggest a minimum of $30 per person. No tax deduction will be provided. Note that Eventbrite requires a minimum contribution of $1. If for financial reasons you require a waiver of this minimum contribution, please email gec@aware.org.sg.

Note as well that we are unable to accommodate transfers and cancellations if participants are unable to attend after payment has been made.

Persons of all genders and nationalities are more than welcome to attend.

We strongly request that all participants commit to the full duration of the 3-hour workshop (there are breaks!) to ensure that everyone will get the opportunity to engage in interactive discussions and learn useful skills.

Date: Wednesday, 27 September 2023

Time: 6 – 9PM

Venue: Online (Via Zoom). Please note this workshop will be online only (Singapore time). Participants will be emailed the Zoom link shortly before the session date. As a commitment to this training we will be asking all participants to turn on their video throughout the session.

Entry Fee: This event is contribute-what-you-can. Suggested contribution of $30 per person.

Register Here! 

24 August 2023: Sexual Assault First Responder Training (Online Session)

“Are you sure that happened? Why didn’t you fight back? You should have known better.” These are some common responses survivors of sexual assault have heard, which may further their feelings of doubt, guilt and shame.

It is not always easy for survivors to tell someone about what happened; in fact, for some survivors, it can be especially daunting. So the way their loved ones respond becomes pivotal in their journey of recovery. First response that is sensitive to a survivor’s needs and choices is necessary in preventing re-victimisation.

This Sexual Assault First Responder Training helps familiarise participants with trauma reactions and symptoms to better contribute to a survivor’s well-being. In this workshop, we will share more on the following:

  • Definition of sexual assault and harassment
  • Recognising Singapore’s legal framework
  • Understanding consent
  • Understanding the impact of sexual assault and trauma on survivors
  • Role of a first responder
  • Providing support to survivors of sexual assault
  • Resources available for help
  • Key skills such as ensuring safety, active listening and empathy

We want this workshop to be accessible to everyone, and require your generous contribution to keep it running. While you are welcome to give any amount you wish, we suggest a minimum of $30 per person. No tax deduction will be provided. Note that Eventbrite requires a minimum contribution of $1. If for financial reasons you require a waiver of this minimum contribution, please email gec@aware.org.sg.

Note as well that we are unable to accommodate transfers and cancellations if participants are unable to attend after payment has been made.

Persons of all genders and nationalities are more than welcome to attend.

We strongly request that all participants commit to the full duration of the 3-hour workshop (there are breaks!) to ensure that everyone will get the opportunity to engage in interactive discussions and learn useful skills.

Date: Thursday, 24 August 2023

Time: 4 – 7PM

Venue: Online (Via Zoom). Please note this workshop will be online only (Singapore time). Participants will be emailed the Zoom link shortly before the session date. As a commitment to this training we will be asking all participants to turn on their video throughout the session.

Entry Fee: This event is contribute-what-you-can. Suggested contribution of $30 per person.

Register Here! 

“Older Women’s Responses to the White Paper on Singapore Women’s Development”: Report by Singapore Alliance for Women in Ageing

Being stereotyped as “slow” and “less productive” at the workplace. Facing financial strain due to rising caregiving and healthcare costs. Experiencing isolation and loneliness as a result of living alone.  

These were some of the concerns raised by older women in a series of focus group discussions conducted by the Singapore Alliance for Women in Ageing (SAWA) in 2022 and 2023. 

Established in 2018, SAWA consists of AWARE, Singapore Council of Women’s Organisations, Singapore Muslim Women’s Association (PPIS) and the Tsao Foundation, and aims to raise awareness about the gendered nature of ageing in Singapore. 

SAWA’s latest report, titled “Older Women’s Responses to the White Paper on Singapore Women’s Development”, is a follow-up to the alliance’s 2021 submission to the Government’s national review of women’s issues. Last year, SAWA celebrated the White Paper on Singapore Women’s Development as a signifier of the Government’s commitment towards achieving gender equality. However, SAWA noted the White Paper’s lack of focus on older women, observing that the proposed action plans were largely aimed at a younger demographic.

To better understand the needs and challenges of older women, SAWA conducted four focus group discussions between June 2022 and February 2023, each in one of Singapore’s official languages (English, Malay, Mandarin and Tamil). In total, 170 women aged 55 and above attended to discuss the challenges they faced navigating Singapore as older women. 

One topic that was widely discussed was age-based discrimination in the workplace. Many older women recounted that they had been offered fewer promotion opportunities and job responsibilities as they aged. This made them feel excluded and undervalued, thereby impeding their ability to actively participate in work. 

Other concerns that participants raised related to caregiving and its impact on their retirement adequacy, access to community support and health and wellbeing.

During the focus group discussions, participants were also encouraged to share ideas for the government to address these challenges. Some recommendations included: 

  • Strengthening policy protection for re-employed workers in terms of remuneration and standards of workplace practices;
  • Enhancing subsidies for caregiving, healthcare and consumables for both caregivers and care recipients;
  • Reviewing the criteria for healthcare and caregiving subsidies regularly in tandem with the population’s profile;
  • Providing information and signs in vernacular languages in all healthcare settings to minimise confusion and delays;
  • Developing more programmes and opportunities in schools to forge stronger inter-generational bonds and tackle stereotypes against older persons. 

Read about the detailed findings and recommendations in SAWA’s report here.

[Position filled] Helpline Programme Manager, CARE

Position: Helpline Programme Manager
Department: CARE
Commitment: Permanent full-time position with minimum commitment of 2 years
Salary range: SGD4,470 – SGD5,580
Starting date: Immediate
Work location: Hybrid

Are you passionate about making a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals in need? Do you have the
skills and experience to lead a dynamic team in providing crucial support services? If so, we have an
exciting opportunity for you. AWARE is a leading organisation committed to empowering women and addressing critical issues like abuse and violence. Our Women’s Care Centre and Sexual Assault Care Centre play a vital role in providing support and resources to those who need them most. We’re on the lookout for a First Response Operations Manager to lead our efforts and drive positive change in the community.

Job Description

● Leading with Purpose: Oversee first response channels, including helplines, chat service, emails, and walk-ins, ensuring efficient and effective service delivery. Your work will directly impact the well-being of victim-survivors of sexual assault.
● Innovation and Improvement: Develop and implement operational procedures and policies, making sure our services are consistently top-notch.
● Team Empowerment: Manage and inspire a dedicated team of volunteers and staff, fostering an
environment where everyone thrives.
● Data-Driven Impact: Use data insights to inform decision-making and contribute to strategic planning, helping us shape a brighter future.
● Advocacy and Networking: Explore advocacy opportunities to expand access to support services and engage with like-minded organisations.

Requirements

● Expertise: Ideally a social work degree and a minimum of five years in the social service sector.
● Experience: At least two years of experience in people and performance management.
● First Response: Proven track record in managing first response services in the abuse and violence field is a significant plus.
● Knowledge: Good knowledge of Singapore social service landscape and criminal justice system.
● Empathy and Compassion: Dealing with individuals in crisis or distress requires sensitivity, and we’re looking for someone who excels in this area.
● Leadership Skills: Lead a dedicated team with your strong leadership and team-building abilities,
● Tech-Savvy: Familiarity with various IT systems and tools.
● Problem Solving: Quick thinking and strong problem-solving skills in order to manage high-pressure situations effectively.
● Passion and Commitment: Be passionate about our mission and committed to gender- and trauma-informed practice.

Why Join Us:

● Meaningful Work: Make a real difference in the lives of individuals in need and contribute to a vital cause.
● Team Collaboration: Work with a dedicated team of professionals who share your passion.
● Professional Growth: AWARE will support your growth with training and development opportunities.
● Positive Work Environment: Join a workplace that values empathy, compassion, and making a difference.
● Competitive Compensation: We offer a competitive salary and benefits package.

Click here to submit your application.

Please ensure that you have read and acknowledge the Privacy Statement here.

Please note that due to the large number of applications, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for an interview. If you have any questions about this position, please email careers@aware.org.sg.

Under-reporting workplace discrimination a far greater concern

This letter was originally published in The Straits Times on 14 May 2023. 

The Opinion commentary, “Can workplace fairness law deter errant employers and avoid worsening work conflict?” (June 12), highlights some valid points with regard to the proposed anti-discrimination legislation.

However, the writers’ fears of “frivolous” claims by employees appear overblown. While the protections accorded by the Workplace Fairness Legislation (WFL) should certainly not be misused, I believe under-reporting to be a far greater concern than false reporting in the arena of discrimination.

In 2022, an Aware-Milieu survey found that one in two respondents who experienced workplace discrimination did not report it to any channel. The top reasons for not reporting were believing the discrimination to be not “severe” enough, not trusting the authorities to act on the complaint, and not having enough evidence.

The writers suggest stringent evidentiary requirements for claims and timely dismissal mechanisms for the courts. Aware recommends, rather than raising the evidentiary burden of employees, which can deter reporting, that under the WFL, as in many jurisdictions, employees should be required to provide only a “prima facie” case, that is, sufficient initial evidence that discrimination could have occurred.

After this, the burden should shift to the employer to offer a valid non-discriminatory reason for the adverse action.

It’s also important to note that lack of awareness or malicious intent are not acceptable excuses for discrimination. We recommend that intent need not be established for discrimination claims under the WFL.

The law should provide objective criteria to evaluate employers’ actions, obliging them to cultivate an inclusive workplace. This must be complemented by public education and employer training to counteract ignorance-driven discrimination.

We must ensure the WFL encourages victim-survivors to speak up and protects those who do, instead of inadvertently silencing them for fear of a potential wave of false allegations.

Apoorva Shukla is the Workplace Harassment and Discrimination Advisory Executive at AWARE.

“I’m glad I stayed”: Remarks by Corinna Lim at Institute of Policy Studies’ 35th Anniversary Conference

AWARE Executive Director Corinna Lim spoke yesterday at the Institute of Policy Studies’ 35th Anniversary Conference, as part of the panel “Revisiting Pluralism”. Corinna’s remarks were made in her personal capacity, but we are reprinting the transcript of her comments below, with additional edits for clarity. We applaud Corinna for taking the brave step to come out in public ❤️🏳️‍🌈

 

Good afternoon, Minister Shanmugam, Professor Chan, everyone. I am grateful for this chance to speak on a topic that is close to my heart. I speak from the vantage point of someone who is both privileged and marginalised, and as someone who has worked in the social justice space for more than 30 years.

You can read about my privileged position in my profile. My marginalisation is my experience as a gay person in Singapore—covering up my sexuality from my family, colleagues and, until now, the public sphere.

When I was younger, there were no acceptable words to speak about this. The term LGBT only made it into the Singapore lexicon in the 2000s. Being a stigmatised minority is difficult, and even more so when this marginalisation is hidden and invisible. It is no fun in the closet. In fact, it is pretty painful and lonely. So, as a young lawyer, my main aim was to migrate to a more gay-friendly country, with lots of nature. That was 30 years ago. Thankfully, I found the women’s cause—or it found me.

And I am still here.

My work as a gender equality activist has been an important part of my identity. If I could not speak up for myself safely, I could at least do so for the women who had it a lot worse than me. The women who were victims of family violence, sexual assault, workplace discrimination and harassment.

WHY NOW?

This is the first time that I am sharing about my own personal situation in a public setting. I think it is partly to do with the repeal of Section 377A. It somehow seems it is safer to talk about this.

If we are to take the “pluralism” journey forward in Singapore, it’s important to create brave spaces for the marginalised to share their experiences. Only then can we start talking more deeply and sensitively about these topics without causing antagonism and polarisation.

And so I chose to speak about this today, even though it is still a bit scary, to ground this discussion in the lived experiences of a marginalised person, and to emphasise why it is so important for Singapore to get this right.

First, we want people in Singapore to feel like this is their home, where they can be fully appreciated and accepted for who they are. A place where they can show up fully at work or in the community and where they do not have to hide or be ashamed of any aspect of themselves. I know of too many LGBT persons who left Singapore as they did not feel that they could thrive here. I came close to being part of that statistic of people who left, but I’m glad I stayed.

THE PACE OF CHANGE IN SINGAPORE

The recent repeal of Section 377A shows that Singapore is constantly evolving. Change always feels too slow for any activist; by definition, we cannot be satisfied with the status quo. But in the past 30 years, I have seen changes in almost all areas of work that AWARE is involved in: housing for single parents; protection against workplace harassment; the recent changes to the Women’s Charter strengthening protection against non-physical violence; the White Paper on Singapore Women’s Development affirming gender equality as a top national priority; the forthcoming Workplace Fairness Act. All these changes are of critical importance to the lives of single mothers, LGBT persons and people experiencing abuse and violence, workplace harassment and discrimination.

In Singapore, change is sometimes too gradual. It took a long time for the Government to repeal Section 377A. But once it did, the Government did a fantastic job in consulting the various stakeholders and doing a “national mediation” on this issue. I know from my friends in the LGBT community that they have had many discussions with policy-makers.

Minister Shanmugam said that pluralism is essentially about social cohesion. I see pluralism as being about embracing diversity and promoting equal, active participation in society. There must be a welcoming of different views and perspectives.

As a civil society organisation that fights for gender equality, AWARE approaches advocacy in the following ways:

  • Advocacy must be data-driven, backed up by research.
  • We always try to assume good faith.
  • We believe in engagement. It is important to consider the positions of all stakeholders closely.
  • We have back-door meetings while also engaging the public to create awareness, educate and influence public opinion.
  • We understand that we are playing the long game.
  • Dialogue and understanding is key. So are reasonableness and dogged persistence.

The above approach is not possible for many groups that do not have access to policy-makers. It is therefore critical to create this access. Since 2011, I have seen the Government become a lot more approachable to groups with causes. And this is a very good thing.

TRUE PLURALISM

A precondition for pluralism is this: The Government must protect minorities. If we are to embrace diversity, we must ensure that minority groups are not bullied by the majority. So, things like the Workplace Fairness Act are critical.

I am very disappointed that, at this point, it looks like the Workplace Fairness Act will not protect against discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity and expression. With S377A repealed, there is no reason not to extend protection against workplace discrimination to everyone, including LGBT persons. It would be ironic for our first workplace anti-discrimination legislation to be itself discriminatory by excluding LGBT persons.

Going forward, this issue can only get more complex. How we deal with pluralism has a deep impact on people’s lives.

It’s important that we get this right.

Research respondents needed: Survivors of coercive control in Singapore

AWARE’s Advocacy and Research department is currently looking for research respondents for a new study on coercive control in Singapore.

What is coercive control?

Coercive control is a pattern of behaviour where a person repeatedly isolates, degrades, exploits, controls, humiliates or frightens another. It can occur on its own or alongside other forms of abuse, e.g. physical or sexual abuse. Rather than a form of abuse, we can think of coercive control as a relationship dynamic that may be evident in various personal relationships, e.g. between spouses, partners, family members, friends, employers-employees.

Examples of coercive control

  • Continuously insulting you, resulting in you feeling ashamed, belittled, intimidated or humiliated
  • Stalking or monitoring your movements, e.g. tracking you through mobile apps, constantly calling you, turning up at your workplace
  • Isolating you from your family and friends
  • Threatening you or manipulating you to do things that you don’t want to, e.g. employer threatening to withhold your pay unless you work overtime, your partner threatening to hurt you if you see family members
  • Controlling your access to finances and making important financial decisions without your consent
  • Policing your lifestyle, e.g. controlling what you wear or who you can or cannot hang out with
  • Threatening to take custody of your children or questioning your capacity to parent
  • For migrant spouses and migrant domestic workers, your spouse/employer threatening to cancel or not renew your visit pass/work permit, or withholding your passport

If you’d like to see more examples of coercive control, you may refer to this comic series by artist Charis Loke.

Who can participate?

  • We are looking for individuals of any gender, aged 21 or above.
  • They must have experienced coercive control at the hands of a romantic partner (current or former), a family member or (if they are a migrant domestic worker) a live-in employer. The coercive control must have taken place in the past five years.
  • They must be a Singaporean or Permanent Resident (PR), with the exception of migrant domestic workers.
  • Ideally, participants should have received formal emotional support (such as counselling, psychotherapy, social services or similar) for coercive control.
  • Participants must be willing to participate in an interview that will take around 90 to 120 minutes.

Each participant will be given $100 as a token of appreciation. Interviews are in English. If you’d like to participate but English is not your preferred language for communication, please drop us an email at gec@aware.org.sg.

To register as a respondent, fill out this form.

 

Confidential and anonymous

Our research is confidential. This means that your personal information, such as your identity, residential status (e.g. citizen or permanent resident) and other information, will be anonymised. We will not contact the other parties involved in any situations described by respondents.

Support for respondents

Referrals to AWARE’s Sexual Assault Care Centre (SACC) and Women’s Care Centre (WCC) can be made before or after the interview. Emotional support is available, upon request, during the interview. Participation in the research is NOT a requirement in receiving referrals for help.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What if I’m not sure that my coercive control was severe enough, or that I even experienced coercive control in the first place?

Coercive control takes many forms and includes a wide range of behaviours. Even if you suspect that you have experienced coercive control, please contact us! We will help you determine if you are eligible to participate in the study.

2. Must my experience of coercive control have been documented or reported officially (e.g. via a police report) for me to participate?

You are eligible to participate in this study whether you took official action or not. Coercive control is still not widely understood and many victim-survivors only realise they have experienced abuse long after the situation concludes. As reporting abusive behaviour can be very difficult, we understand that you may not have been in a position to do so.

3. Will others, such as my abuser, find out and retaliate against my participation in this study?

All participants’ interviews and details will be anonymised for their protection. This includes any identifying details of other people or places mentioned, such as the abuser who committed coercive control. There will be no release of confidential and private details. AWARE will not contact any individuals mentioned during the interviews. The audio recording of your interview will be deleted after the report is published, following research protocols. Finally, all the data about the report will remain encrypted to protect your privacy.

4. Do I have to name my abuser?

No. You do not need to use any full names or identifying details when describing your experiences to us. Only discuss what you feel comfortable with.

5. What if talking about my experience of coercive control is stressful or traumatic for me?

We will offer you counselling services before and after the interview. Additionally, at your request, a safety person from AWARE’s Sexual Assault Care Centre can sit in and provide emotional support to you during the interview. Your interviewer will be a woman with experience in interviewing survivors sensitively and confidently.

We understand that being interviewed about past experiences of coercive control can be traumatic. For some survivors, it helps to view this experience as a chance to gain a greater understanding of their lived experiences, and possibly help other survivors.

6. I have other questions or concerns about this study. Who do I talk to?

You can directly email the researchers of the project at gec@aware.org.sg.

A Recap: AWARE’s 38th Annual General Meeting

Written by Kane Chang, AWARE Fundraising Consultant

Saturday, 6 May 2023 saw AWARE’s first in-person general meeting in three years. Seventy-four members attended AWARE’s 38th Annual General Meeting, which was chaired by AWARE President Ong Soh Chin and held at the AWARE Centre in Dover Crescent. 

In her opening remarks, the president highlighted two key challenges that AWARE faces in the months ahead – people and funding. She noted the departure of two department heads, Amy Daga (Catalyse) and Shailey Hingorani (Advocacy, Research and Communications), and the cessation of Tote Board funding for the Women’s Care Center (WCC) and Sexual Assault Care Center (SACC). Moving forward, fundraising, as well as revenue from Catalyse, AWARE’s corporate training and consulting arm, will be even more crucial. So too will be the need to sustain a strong pipeline of talented staff, like new joiners  Sugidha Nithi, who takes over from Shailey as Director of Advocacy and Research, and Yasmine Tan, our new Head of Operations.

After Soh Chin’s introduction, AWARE department representatives gave updates on each department’s key work during 2022. The full details of this work is in the Annual Report 2022, but below is a summary.

The CARE Department, represented by Ashley Chua, Assistant Manager at the Sexual Assault Care Centre, together with Jessica Nagulendran, Senior Programme Executive at the Women’s Care Centre, described 2022 as a landmark year for governmental support for survivors of sexual assault, with the advent of new services. The evolving landscape has informed CARE’s strategy of providing effective support services, conducting more advocacy for systemic change, building support ecosystems, investing in staff and improving data management. In 2022, the Women’s Helpline received over 5,000 calls, with 2 in 5 related to emotional distress and 1 in 4 to abuse and violence. The Women’s Care Centre provided 2,000+ counselling and legal clinic sessions to 500+ clients, with 8 in 10 surveyed recounting that they felt well-supported. 

Meanwhile, the Sexual Assault Care Centre received 947 cases in 2022, the majority of which involved physical sexual violence. Across services, more than 9 in 10 clients felt well-supported through counselling, case management, legal support and befriending services. Three highlights of the year for SACC were: training case workers on sexual assault support, introducing a trauma-informed programme for staff and setting up a new operations and programme horizontal for improved efficiency and data management.

Caroline Callow, Senior OD Consultant at Catalyse, reported that in 2022, Catalyse increased its team size, diversified partnerships and generated over $1 million in contracts, resulting in a profit of $163,732. A significant 2022 project was the #IAmAMaleAlly programme developed in partnership with Dr. Michael Kaufman, co-founder of the White Ribbon Campaign in 1991. This programme saw almost 100 male ally participants and 49 trainers (who go on to train others in allyship) over the course of the year. Looking ahead to 2023, Catalyse aims to strengthen its position as anti-discrimination and anti-harassment experts in Singapore, to adopt a more trauma-informed approach and to establish an “inclusion lab”.

Lee Yoke Mun, Senior Project Executive at ARC, provided a comprehensive overview of the department’s 2022 achievements, including the launch of the anthology What We Inherit: Growing Up Indian, which sold nearly 1,800 copies by year-end, and the report “Why Stable Housing Matters” following the end of the S.H.E. Project. AWARE conducted Singapore’s first comprehensive workplace discrimination survey with Milieu Insight and discovered that 55% of the respondents had experienced discrimination. Our comprehensive sexuality education programmes reached around 800 students and 100 parents, and the Sexual Assault First Responder Training programme saw almost all 305 participants feeling more confident in their ability to assist survivors of sexual violence. AWARE’s Saga podcast won more awards in 2022 and crossed the 100,000 mark in all-time plays. Finally, ARC kicked off a new research project on coercive control, with a digital comic series that garnered more than 165,000 impressions and 17,500 engagements in three months.

Shamima Rafi, Community Engagement Manager from Secretariat, highlighted that AWARE had a fantastic fundraising year in 2022, raising a total of $2,850,969. It was our first year implementing both online and in-person (i.e. the AWARE Ball) fundraising campaigns, successfully segmenting donors to maximise engagement. The Ball made its triumphant return, attracting an overwhelming demand for seats (with 600 attendees). A new community engagement department, S.P.A.C.E, was launched at the event, with the support of over 100 sponsors and partners.

Following the departmental presentations, the AGM also passed two important resolutions via voting by a show of hands. These were: i) proposed Constitutional changes, which included revisions that would enable AWARE to hold virtual and hybrid Annual General Meetings, and ii) provisions to allow AWARE to spin off Catalyse as a separate company. Hybrid meetings enable AWARE to adapt to the post-COVID era, enhancing accessibility and attendance. As for Catalyse, by spinning off as an independent entity, it can effectively pursue international clients and enhance AWARE’s cash flow diversification, in line with Commissioner of Charities’ (COC) recommendations. A volley of questions and comments from members about these resolutions made for a very robust discussion before voting. 

As the meeting adjourned for tea, President Soh Chin thanked the staff and volunteers of AWARE for their dedication and hardwork, and the members for participating at the AGM.