There are parts of Asia where oppression of women is still the norm but did you know that Singapore is seventh in the world ranking of countries with the least gender inequality?

I didn’t! The results were based on measurements in the following areas:

• Reproductive health (maternal death ratio and adolescent fertility rate)
• Empowerment (share of seats in parliament and attainment of education at secondary level and above)
• Labour market (women’s participation in the workforce)

For a young country, being ranked seventh in the world is no mean feat – and music to the ears. Certainly something to celebrate!

Singlife employees get vocal about women’s empowerment

To commemorate International Women’s Day (IWD), I spoke to Singlife's Group CEO, Pearlyn Phau and other female employees about their IWD reflections and women’s empowerment. And because no celebration is complete without music, I also asked them for their “Wonder Woman” song – the one that always makes them feel empowered and like they can conquer the world.

Pearlyn Phau, Group CEO

What’s your biggest women’s empowerment moment?

My biggest women’s empowerment moment came early in my career when I realised the importance of knowing my worth and not putting myself into a box. Oftentimes, women self-limit by putting in front of themselves perceived societal expectations, family obligations and duties, and doubts about their own abilities.

Earlier in my career, my biggest dream was to work overseas, but when the opportunity presented itself, I almost turned it down. I had a million worries. Is the job too big for me? Am I ready for it? Am I good enough for it? Is my family going to support it? How will they adjust? Is my son going to be okay with it?  If it had been a man in my shoes, his first question would probably be, “Where do I sign up?”

In the end, I went for it – and it proved to be the best experience I’ve had, not just for myself and my career but also for my family.

Singapore has made great strides in terms of creating equal opportunities for women. Why do you think International Women’s Day still matters?

We’re fortunate to be living in Singapore where a lot of progress has been made to narrow the gender equality gap. Women in my generation and future generations will not have to struggle with the same struggles that women in past generations had to deal with.

International Women’s Day serves as an important reminder that despite all the progress, a lot still needs to be done. As women, we have many roles and responsibilities, and we continue to contribute a lot to the world. So, whether you’re an individual or corporate, whether young or old, regardless of gender, there’s still a lot we can all contribute towards this cause.

What’s your IWD wish for women around the world?

I wish for women around the world to know their self-worth, never limit themselves, be bold and step up to the plate if it’s something they truly believe in.

I’ve had the privilege of working with women across different ranks and roles, and I’ve benefitted from observing how they cope with stress, handle difficult situations, prepare for big meetings and juggle their family and work roles. As a beneficiary, I want to pay it forward by devoting a big part of what I’m doing now to creating opportunities and really nurturing my teammates. It’s very gratifying to see how much they can prosper professionally and personally with just that little bit of mentorship, encouragement and reinforcement.  

What’s your “Wonder Woman” song?

Queen’s Don’t Stop Me Now always gets me going. It’s catchy, brings back fun memories of my school days, and the lyrics resonate with me. It’s about not letting anything or anyone stop you, especially if you’re going for something you really believe in, least of all yourself.

Raissa Smarasista, Assistant Manager, Research Practice & Insights Community

What’s your biggest women’s empowerment moment?

There isn’t a particular “moment” per se, but I’m lucky to have grown up in a household where my mother was the primary breadwinner. From a very young age, I’ve seen my mother break out of the typical gender roles society usually places on women, and that has inspired me to believe that women can achieve anything they set their minds to!

Why do you think International Women’s Day still matters?

While it is important to celebrate how far we have come, it’s also important to continue educating ourselves on the systemic gender inequalities women face in the workplace, families and communities – things we easily accept as “everyday norms”, without realising the impact they have on women. All this will take many years to unlearn.

That’s why International Women’s Day matters – it’s to remind us of the importance of being intentional about empowering women to fight for gender equity. It’s also a day to celebrate the amazing women who have paved the way for us!

What’s your IWD wish for women around the world?

My wish is for women to lift each other up! We all come from different backgrounds and have unique experiences, and we all have our own definitions of success. We need to have each other’s backs and support each other to chase after our dreams, whatever they may look like.

What do you do for a power boost?

Throughout my professional journey I’ve been blessed with great female managers and mentors whom I look up to as role models. I also lean on my group of girl friends and colleagues for a power boost. It’s important for women to surround themselves with inspiring women who remind us of the little bit of girl power in each of us.

What’s your “Wonder Woman” song?

The Man by Taylor Swift. In the song she talks about the double standards we place against women. She goes, “if I were a man, then I’d be the man” – a powerful reminder that we should credit women for all of our accomplishments in the same way we credit men, recognising us not as “successful for a woman” but as successful, period!

Dr Yung Khee Leow, Medical Director

What’s your biggest women’s empowerment moment?

I am very fortunate to have been born in Singapore where national and social policies support equal opportunity for both sexes/genders. My late parents also provided equal education opportunities for their five children, two sons and three daughters, to equip us in our life journey.

On a professional perspective, my most enlightening moment is the day I received a letter of acceptance into NUS’ medical school – my dream of becoming a doctor had come true. On a personal level, giving birth to my eldest son was an empowering moment. That feeling of cradling a little baby whom you’ve brought into this world is really amazing.

Why do you think International Women’s Day still matters?

IWD is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women, and this is an ongoing theme and goal that humankind, i.e. both men and women, has to continuously work together on. IWD serves as an annual reminder to all of us – from young children to adults and seniors of both genders across the globe –  that the state of gender equality, reproductive rights and access to education for example, has not achieved the same level of maturity across all parts of the world.

To me, gender equality is not about women becoming more like men or making women stronger than men. Our differences in genetic composition and upbringing means that men and women are different in terms of physical and emotional make-up. Achieving equity is about allowing, supporting and giving the same opportunity for both men and women to grow and develop in their own ways as human beings, be it in their education, work or social life.

What’s your IWD wish for women around the world?

Be yourself and have confidence, resilience and determination even if the circumstances and environment may not be as favourable or supportive to you. Reach for your goals in life.

What do you do for a power boost?

I exercise two or three times a week, working out in the gym or taking a 5-kilometre walk through East Coast Park. The sea breeze and trees around the park are very therapeutic. When I exercise, my mind shifts into another dimension, and I feel physically charged up and mentally relaxed. This is probably an endorphins effect where exercise triggers the release of “feel good” chemicals in the body.

What’s your “Wonder Woman” song?

Amazing Grace by Celtic Woman always touches me. It’s a song that gives us hope, warmth and the assurance that we can walk the path of dangers, toils, fear or darkness with God leading us to a bright and safe place. It encapsulates how women in the past had to overcome challenges in their fight for rights to equal treatment, education, voting and control of their body.

Helen Shen, Group Head of Health

What’s your biggest women’s empowerment moment?

I was raised in a matriarchal family led by strong women – my grandmother, a bright and strong woman who’s almost 90, and my mum who raised me as a single mum. My mother gave birth to me when she was starting her own business. Seeing how she juggled her life and all its demands was a big inspiration on what women could do.

I’m now a mother of three children and I want to pass on to my daughter, who’s the youngest, those ideals of women-supporting-women and women empowerment. I want her to see the world the way I saw it watching my mother and grandmother.

At the same time, when I look at social trends towards women’s empowerment and the growth that we have made together as a civilisation, I feel a sense of pride and optimism knowing that my daughter will grow up in a supportive environment. 

Why do you think International Women’s Day still matters?

During the Covid-19 circuit breaker, which was a struggle for many people, my husband shared a poem with me. It said, “we are all in a storm together, but we’re not in the same boat”. I think that statement applies to many things in life, including women’s empowerment. Singapore has made great progress when it comes to women’s empowerment at the senior level. We see lots more women in Parliament and at the CEO and senior management levels, but this change isn’t necessarily seen across all levels and areas of society. There are still many people who could use more support when it comes to female empowerment, equality and leadership opportunities. IWD and the initiatives around it can help foster greater empowerment and equality for all women at different stages and moments in their lives.

What’s your IWD wish for women around the world?

I wish to see greater equality for women across the world. Singapore and many other developed countries have made great strides around women’s empowerment and equality but it’s not the case in every country.

What do you do for a power boost?

Women tend to struggle with the multitude of roles that we have. When we feel boxed into a specific role, we may feel a loss of identity. Some days, I feel very boxed into my role as a mother and like my identity doesn’t go beyond that of me as a mother of three. How do you maintain connection and separateness, and individuality and togetherness? That’s when I will try to get some alone time. I may go somewhere to recharge, do yoga or hang with my girl friends over a drink. Doing whatever recharges you and stepping away from whatever makes you feel boxed in helps you to re-energise and give back to whatever it is you want to channel your time to.

What’s your “Wonder Woman” song?

I remember listening to a song in my youth by The Pussycat Dolls called When I Grow Up. The chorus goes, “Be careful what you wish for, ’cause you just might get it”. Those words stuck with me. I want young girls to grow up knowing that if they try hard enough, they can get whatever they think they deserve and set their minds to. So, don’t be afraid to start, you might just get what you want!

Natasha Boon, Executive, Brand, Communications and Marketing

What’s your biggest women’s empowerment moment?

I’m lucky to have been in many environments where people are treated equally regardless of gender identity, race or sexual orientation. Be it at work or while pursuing hobbies, people around me have looked at the quality of my work and made judgements based on that.

However, when it comes to dance, my biggest hobby, the assumption is that males tend to perform better due to their athleticism. Many females have won competitions despite this stigma against women, and this has been incredibly inspiring to me.

Over the years, as I became more aware that gender equality wasn’t the norm everywhere, I began to work harder. I want to be one of those inspiring figures who can prove that women are just as talented and hardworking, and worthy of anything they put their minds to.

Why do you think International Women’s Day still matters?

It’s precisely because we put in all the heart and work to fight for women’s rights over the years that we’ve opened up all these opportunities for greater women representation in Parliament and senior roles at the workplace. Just because we made some headway doesn’t mean we should let it rest, however. IWD acknowledges the enormous effort it took to get here and it’s a reminder to never take anything for granted.

What’s your IWD wish for women around the world?

To make full use of the opportunities that they have – to never feel like they need to be small, apologetic or less than anyone else. I hope we can all shine!!

What do you do for a power boost?

I dance – it’s my passion, my stress and my freedom all at once. I never know exactly what I’m going to get out of it each time, but sometimes when I’m down and don’t particularly feel like doing anything, I dance simply for the exercise and it brings me out of that state like magic.

What’s your “Wonder Woman” song?

Calling by ARASHI. It’s a Japanese song I used to like in secondary school and came across again a few weeks ago. It’s explosive, exhilarating and perfectly encapsulates the desire to take life by the horns and charge forward. The rock vibe with the electric guitar is what you might hear in an action anime where the protagonist is young, somewhat naive but so full of passion. Listening to it makes me feel like I have the world at my fingertips, like anything is possible.

I like a line from the chorus which translates to “Even if the light is faint, don’t look away from it and seize this moment”. Very motivational!

Facts about International Women’s Day and women’s empowerment in Singapore

• When it all began: The United Nations has marked International Women’s Day every 8 March since 1975, acknowledging women’s achievements and the obstacles they face, as well as advocating for greater balance in terms of women’s rights and gender equality. 
• The cause: Gender equality, reproductive rights and violence against women have always been among the issues of concern.
• IWD 2023 theme: The theme this year is #EmbraceEquity. While equality is like giving everyone the same shoe, equity is like giving everyone a shoe that actually fits them so they can all achieve a positive outcome. Forging gender equity is about creating fair opportunities for women and men that compensate for the historical and social disadvantages that have hindered them from functioning on a level playing field. Once there’s equity, there will be true equality. 
• What Singapore is doing: In 2022, Parliament endorsed the White Paper on Singapore Women’s Development, a 10-year roadmap to build a fairer and more inclusive society.
• Is IWD a public holiday?: IWD on 8 March is an official holiday in some countries but not in Singapore. However, our entire March calendar is packed with activities recognising and promoting women’s success – forums featuring influential speakers, free classes for disadvantaged women and even laidback afternoon tea sessions just for ladies. So, go on and celebrate the women in your life!  

Watch an exclusive IWD video interview with five Singlife women – including our Group CEO, Pearlyn Phau, and read more about songs to power up to this IWD as recommended by Singlife’s “wonder women”!