I too am writing in support of the Association of Women for Action and Research (Aware). Before joining Aware in 2002, I was asked if I really want to be associated with a group of pot-banging, men-hating feminists who were bitter with their lot and had nothing better to do?
Since a feminist is one who believes that women should have political, social, sexual, intellectual and economic rights equal to those of men, I was joining and taking action! Just why would I want to embrace a belief where women, myself included, were born inferior, naturally less capable and good for only cooking, cleaning and washing?
People have asked why I am fighting for women’s rights when we already have so much. I had to explain the basics of gender equality which is the equality of the genders or the sexes. Aware was advocating for not women but rather both men and women. Also until the day women really believe, and embrace the power that is already theirs in working alongside men, the work of Aware needs to continue.
I have been volunteering with Aware in different capacities in the last eight years: from publicity, writing, and fund raising. I found the women of Aware far from what is often perceived. They were highly intelligent, extremely articulate, and well-respected successful individuals comfortable in their skin. Coming from diverse backgrounds – age, race, and religion – we have worked alongside one another, and on serious issues and projects.
Aware has always had a fine reputation, successfully nominating not one but three of our candidates to be NMPs. Consider this: Which organization meets with the police to discuss how rape victims in trauma can be better treated? Which non-profit has been hearing the heartaches of women in Singapore for the last 15 years through their helpline? Which other group in Singapore has the guts and stamina to proactively advocate for women’s rights?
Lately Aware has been in the media for the wrong reasons. How was this hostile takeover even possible? Were the members sleeping? No. We have simply been too busy doing the work. We did not anticipate this would happen.
But why wash dirty linen in public? Sure we are embarrassed but do we have a choice? The new Exco has not been acting in the best interests of members and women at large with their hostile takeover, not to mention disbanding the various sub-committees without reason.
I have been proud to be associated with Aware and these courageous women. The takeover has not changed this. We are now doing what we can to save Aware.
Women of today can apply to be doctors, work in the civil service and enjoy the same medical benefits or choose to stay home to cook, clean and wash for the family. We have choices our mothers and grandmothers did not. Aware has made a difference to the quality of our lives.
Women of Singapore: Aware has served you for the last 25 years. I urge you to make a stand: join Aware today at www.aware.org.sg and make a difference with your vote during our EOGM on May 2.
Dear Martha Lee,
First, smile & cheers up! I come pretty late to know AWARE as a matter of fact. It is only after the AWARE saga that alert me about the importance of AWARE in this tiny sparkling island of Singapore not only for women but to all our secular society!
One thing I begin to realise that in our daily living lives we must be self-contented always with what we have or given on earth as such only those who had openly & honestly been a dedicated volunteer like you who had tasted the fruits of those what we called pains & sufferings in humankind life that one can possibly have chance of understanding or self-
realisation. Another thing is MONEY is not everything on earth! Money cannot buy everything in humankind kind heart & it had shown & proven on 2nd May 2009 already.
DavidLeong