Adjournment motion on building a culture of gender equality

Singapore should have a national framework to articulate a clear roadmap to achieve gender equality, underpinned by clear principles and measurable outcomes. NMP Razwana Begum Abdul Rahim made this call in an adjournment motion in Parliament on Tuesday (Apr 2), saying that a national framework would complement existing policy commitments to women and contain whole-of-Government policy and practice guidance to combat unlawful or dangerous gender norms. She said it should also cover how men and boys, as well as women and girls, of all ages and backgrounds will be meaningfully involved in developing and implementing the framework. She stressed the need for Singapore to be a global leader when it comes to gender equality. She also stressed the need to respectfully, effectively and comprehensively engage with boys and men, get men to be role models, as well as empower men to step outside the dominant gender norms which may not be considered traditionally masculine, such as in caregiving and “HEAL” professions. Responding, Minister of State for Social and Family Development Sun Xueling said Singapore is doing well by international standards but recognises that there is still work to be done. Highlighting the steps that Singapore is taking to build a culture of gender equality, she said the journey to shift mindsets starts from the family. The Government is committed to helping fathers achieve their family aspirations. It is also providing additional support to relieve the burden of those who are caring for seniors. In the schools, the Government has enhanced its Character and Citizenship Education curriculum to address gender stereotypes and teach the values of respect and appropriate behaviours. The Government will strengthen workplace fairness, encourage flexible workplace arrangements and empower both men and women to better manage their family and work commitments. On the call for a national gender equality framework, Ms Sun said the White Paper on Singapore Women's Development is a 10-year roadmap and framework to guide a whole-of-society effort. Ms Sun said the intent of the White Paper exercise goes beyond policy and legislation. It aims to engender consciousness among Singaporeans on what they can do to help each other lead fulfilling lives, where both men and women can pursue their aspirations freely and fully. “We must work together across the whole-of-society, across all domains to change minds, change norms and change lives,” said Ms Sun.