Women of Courage Asia 4th Anniversary - GOH Mdm Rahayu Speech

Summary

In her inspiring address, Madam Rachael, a senior parliament secretary and advocate for women’s empowerment, reflects on the importance of leadership, gender equality, and societal change. She emphasizes the need for women to not only occupy leadership roles but to excel in them meaningfully. Drawing from her experience in Singapore’s government, she discusses the importance of mindset shifts, servant leadership, and the collaborative efforts required to build a fair and equitable society. Madam Rachael urges organizations to continue their work, deepening their commitment and strategically empowering those who lack the social capital to thrive.

Takeaways

• 😀 Women of Courage Asia has grown significantly, and its focus on empowering women has been instrumental in fostering positive change across communities.
• 😀 The government is actively reviewing policies and regulations to address gender-related challenges and ensure fair opportunities for all, particularly in leadership roles.
• 😀 Women's development conversations began in 2020, triggered by dissatisfaction with existing sentencing frameworks for gender-based violence, highlighting the need for systemic change.
• 😀 Changing societal mindsets is just as important as legislative changes. A societal shift in how men view women and how women view themselves is crucial for progress.
• 😀 The Singapore government takes women's empowerment seriously and is committed to evolving policies to ensure gender equity across various sectors.
• 😀 True leadership goes beyond representation—it's about meaningful contribution, equity, and making a difference in society, not just filling positions for the sake of appearance.
• 😀 Women need to build capability and take responsibility for their roles. Leadership must be earned and based on merit, not solely on gender.
• 😀 The importance of 'servant leadership' is emphasized, where leaders are viewed as serving their community, not seeking power for personal gain.
• 😀 Singapore's success during the pandemic was attributed to the collective responsibility of its citizens, showcasing the need for everyone—government, businesses, individuals—to work together.
• 😀 Practical challenges in implementing gender equality measures, like flexible work hours and paternity leave, highlight the importance of collaboration and understanding between employers and employees.
• 😀 Social capital, mentorship, and equal access to opportunities are key to ensuring that individuals, especially women, are not left behind due to lack of resources or networks.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the speech in the script?

The main topic of the speech revolves around women's empowerment, leadership, and the importance of creating a supportive environment for women in leadership roles. It highlights the progress of women's development in Singapore and the role of both men and women in driving positive societal changes.

What is the speaker's perspective on leadership?

The speaker emphasizes servant leadership, focusing on serving the community rather than seeking power or control. They stress the importance of fulfilling duties with humility and commitment, and that leadership is not about position but about making a meaningful difference for the larger community.

How does the speaker describe the role of the government in advancing women’s issues?

The speaker acknowledges that while the government plays a crucial role in setting the direction and creating the platform for change, the responsibility cannot lie solely with the government. A collaborative effort involving individuals, businesses, and the community is necessary to achieve lasting progress.

What was the catalyst for the government's deep dive into women’s development in Singapore?

The catalyst was dissatisfaction with the sentencing framework for a case where a man had harmed a woman. This dissatisfaction led to women calling for change, prompting the government to review laws and regulations, and later initiate broader conversations on women’s development in Singapore.

What challenge does the speaker highlight regarding women in leadership roles?

The speaker points out that while women are present in leadership positions, true representation and meaningful leadership are still challenges. There is a need for more women to build their capabilities and have equitable opportunities to make a significant impact in leadership roles, beyond token representation.

Why is changing mindsets considered crucial in the speaker's discussion?

Changing mindsets is seen as essential because, even with laws and regulations in place, societal attitudes toward women and their roles often remain unchanged. The speaker argues that without a shift in how both men and women view each other, especially in terms of gender equality, societal progress will be slow.

How did the government's conversations on women's development evolve from 2020 onwards?

The government initiated a series of conversations in 2020, beginning with some uncertainty. However, the response was overwhelmingly positive, with over 160 conversations engaging more than 6,000 individuals. This momentum led to further policy reviews and the creation of a white paper debated in Parliament.

What is the significance of the 'social compact' mentioned in the speech?

The 'social compact' refers to the evolving relationship between the government, businesses, and individuals. The speaker highlights the need to reassess this compact, especially post-pandemic, to ensure all parties contribute to societal well-being, with a focus on collective responsibility and not just relying on the government.

What does the speaker suggest is necessary for women to succeed in leadership roles?

The speaker suggests that women need to build capability, gain experience, and have structures in place to support their growth into leadership roles. This includes not only having a seat at the table but ensuring they are equipped with the skills, support, and opportunities to thrive.

What personal experience did the speaker share regarding gender issues in the workplace?

The speaker shared an experience from their time as a lawyer, where a female employee became pregnant. Despite the firm's family-friendly policies, the employee faced challenges due to unforeseen circumstances. This highlighted the complexity of advocating for flexible working hours and the need for mutual responsibility between employers and employees.