Adjournment motion on supporting breastfeeding mothers at workplaces

The discrimination and stigma that breastfeeding mothers face at the workplace are real, said MP Louis Ng as he renewed his call for stronger support in an adjournment motion in Parliament on Tuesday (May 7). He proposed two ways to help mothers fulfil their basic need to feed their children. Firstly, have at least one lactation room per 2,500 square metres in gross floor area in offices and business parks. He urged the Government to amend the Code on Accessibility in the Built Environment to ensure that it applies to the majority of offices and business parks rather than a small minority. The number of lactation rooms should be pegged to the size of the building. Secondly, mandate the facilities required in lactation rooms at workplaces, such as a door that is lockable, mirror, wash basin with liquid detergent and paper towels, dispenser for hot water and waste bin. He hopes the Ministry of National Development (MND) can put in place these proposed standards progressively. He also hopes MND can increase the co-payment quantum in the Accessibility Fund from the current 60 per cent to 80 per cent to build lactation rooms. In response, Second Minister for National Development Indranee Rajah stressed that women are a crucial part of the workforce and it is important that workplaces cater to their needs. She highlighted the measures that the Government has introduced to support breastfeeding mothers. She said the Government will continue to support breastfeeding mothers in two key areas. Firstly, it will review the relevant legislation and incentives for lactation facilities. The latest code review is already underway, she said. The Building and Construction Authority has formed a Code Review Committee comprising public and private sector stakeholders with representation from 15 organisations, including social service agencies, industry associations and Government agencies. It aims to commence public consultation on the enhanced code by the end of this year. A key focus of the review is lactation rooms, with scope to possibly build more in offices and business parks. Ms Indranee also urged employers and owners of smaller buildings or buildings with limited space to consider installing lactation pods, saying the Accessibility Fund can be used to co-fund them. Ms Indranee also said the Government can consider making some essential features of a lactation room mandatory, such as privacy and easy access. Secondly, the Government will promote an inclusive and supportive work culture for breastfeeding mothers. Ms Indranee said the Government is committed to supporting inclusive workplaces that enable couples to start, raise and nurture their families. All stakeholders, including building owners, employers and colleagues, have to play their part and build a “Singapore Made For Families”, she said.