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Were you one of the 1414? Did you spend the 2nd of May refreshing Twitter on your computer at home? Or maybe you bought one of the post-EGM t-shirts and wore it with pride? Then, this entertainment may be something you might appreciate.

Following the well-received The V Conference in 2007 and The Return Of The V in 2008, comes The Extraordinary V Conference by Fly Entertainment!

With comedienne Irene Ang chairing this year’s Extraordinary V Conference, laughter is the order of the day. Or pigs will fly! Indeed, SWINE FLU! Witness how a certain Page 73 reject Toe Soo Man clamors for recognition as a Feminist (tor)Mentor, while Rosie and her Pussycat Dolls belt out their comeback hit “SHUT UP AND SIT DOWN”.

Will Amy Winehouse stay sober enough to get into Singapore in time for the V Conference? Will the Little Nyonya lip-sync again? Will our beloved Guan Yin Ma be able to save the little Slumdog Millionaires from more s**t? So Extraordinary is the V Conference this year that even Mr. and Mrs. Obama have been invited!

Controversial? Perhaps. Apologetic? Absolutely not.

Hosted by Club Zirca, with an 18+ target audience, The Extraordinary V runs from the 4th to the 13th of September 2009.

V Aware.
V Very Aware.

Highlights from the The V Conference in 2007 and The Return Of The V in 2008 on YouTube

The Extraordinary V Conference
A Production by FLY ENTERTAINMENT PTE LTD
Starring: Irene Ang , Chua Enlai, Brendon Fernandez & Shane Mardjuki
Director: Beatrice Chia Richmond
Date: 4th –13th September 2009
Time: 8 pm
Venue: Club Zirca (The Cannery, Clark Quay)
Ticket Price: $46* (inclusive of 1 Tiger Beer)
Free Seating

10% off Early Bird Tickets before 10th Aug
15% off for all OCBC Debit & Credit Cardmembers

Buy Tickets from Sistic | Follow on Facebook

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The No To Rape campaign advocates one simple idea: sexual violence by any person, against any person, is criminal violence. Consequently, non-consensual sexual penetration, regardless of whether the victim and perpetrator are married to each other, should be treated as rape.

At the moment, under the Penal Code, this is not the case. Except under limited circumstances that do not apply to the majority of married couples, this act will not be treated as rape.

With the repeal of Sections 375(4) and 376A(5) of the Penal Code, marital rape and other forms of rape will be treated in the same way under the law.

Please visit NoToRape.com to sign the online petition and check out resources to help you spread the word about the campaign. If every one of us can convince even one other person to sign, collectively, we will have a powerful voice.

No To Rape. No Exceptions.

Related:

• May 10, 2009 -- Singapore’s Invisible Abused Women

Siew Kum Hong is not only a friend of AWARE but has emerged as a key spokesperson representing the ideals of many who stood up on May 2nd. It is with great disappointment that we recently learned he would not be reappointed for a second term as Nominated Member of Parliament.

There is, of course, much speculation that his failure to be reappointed was because of his involvement in AWARE. The more extreme conspiracy theorists have mused whether his ensuing popularity – bordering on hero worship (some went so far as to call him “Singapore’s Obama”) – made him a threat to the usual power structures.

There is no doubt that in the aftermath of AWARE, Siew Kum Hong was mercilessly attacked by the astroturfers for his role as advisor to the Old Guard – a role he has repeatedly emphasised is something he did in his personal capacity.

Of course even without being involved in the AWARE Saga, Kum Hong was already in the cross hairs of Christian Fundamentalists over his stance on section 377A of the Penal Code regarding homosexual anal sex. He has argued eloquently in parliament for its repeal and even though he was gracious in defeat pundits continued to state – nonsensically – that the very suggestion the law should be changed was an act of treason.

This was not his only issue – he has spoken in favour of a number of reforms. But it is the one that most captured the public’s imagination in recent months, after AWARE was accused of having a “Gay Agenda.”

Well what’s done is done and just as we wish the newcomers well, we are now eagerly looking forward to seeing how Kum Hong will continue to contribute to civil society.

But first perhaps a short break is in order. We have it on good authority that he intends to use some of his free time to reconnect with his Wii (specifically – Guitar Hero World Tour: Metallica) but we are sure that he will be courted from all sides to quickly return to public life.

Full Stament by Siew Kum Hong

Related:

• Disappointed not on list
• 9 NMP names submitted

Related:

• May 28, 2009 -- Sin Boon Ann: AWARE & Failure of the Media
• May 28, 2009 -- Koo Tsai Kee: Tolerance & Diversity
• May 28, 2009 -- Thio Li-ann: Religion & the Secular State
• June 1, 2009 -- How ST covered the story
• May 21, 2009 -- Information Sheet on MOE SEd Programme

Tweeters Callan & June wait for the presscom to start.

Callan’s Report on the Press Con

June shows Twitter to Connie Singam

Corinna, Ching Wi, Dana & Joo Hymn just before kick off.

Press Kit:

• PressKIT EXCO Profiles
• Aware Media Con 6 July – Dana’s Opening Remarks
• AWARE Media Release 6 July 2009
• AWARE Media Release 6 July 2009 – EGM costs

State of the Nation’s Women report

AWARE, Singapore’s leading women’s rights advocacy group, is launching a two-year project to reach out to a wide range of women in Singapore and gather their views on the issues that most affect them. These views, together with other research findings, will be published in 2011 in a report titled The State of the Nation’s Women.

In its scope, the State of the Nation’s Women (SNW) report will be similar to the CEDAW shadow reports that AWARE produces and submits to the United Nations. CEDAW, or the Convention for the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women, is regarded as an international bill of rights for women. Countries that sign the convention have to submit national reports at least once every four years on the progress they have made to remove all discrimination against women. Shadow reports are submitted by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and are considered alongside the national reports by the UN’s CEDAW Committee.

Like the CEDAW report, the SNW report will examine the state of Singapore’s women in areas such as employment, health, family, leadership, and media. But a key difference is that the voices of Singapore’s women will feature prominently in the SNW report.

“Our CEDAW shadow reports have identified the inequalities that still exist and the many issues that need to be addressed, such as the lack of sexual harassment laws, stereotyping in the media, the need for more day care centres for young parents and for greater financial security for older women,” said Dana Lam, AWARE president.

“What we will now do, in parallel with our CEDAW work, is reach out to women in Singapore and get their views on all these issues. We want to get the women to talk and we will listen carefully. We want to find out what they see as the key challenges in their lives, what they would like to see by way of changed or new policies and laws. The State of the Nation’s Women report will cover largely the same ground as the CEDAW reports but it will be from the perspective of a cross-section of Singapore’s women.”

AWARE will reach these women in a variety of ways, including a forum series called ‘Stand Up and Speak Out’. There will also be talks and small group discussions, and at least one major conference. Joint projects and other forms of collaboration with the media and with other NGOs will be explored.

Millie (camera woman & editor extraordinaire) with Fizz and Nicole

Ching Wi, Rina, Kerry and Marisse

Margie and Nancy

Lelia and Joo Hymn

Related:

• July 7, 2009 -- Video: New AWARE Training Institute Programmes
• July 6, 2009 -- AWARE Presscon: The $90k Question
• May 31, 2009 -- Dana Lam: No Apologies
• February 22, 2009 -- Dana Lam – File Photos
• May 21, 2009 -- Response to MOE Decision

Dana

 
Will you be making changes to your constitution to prevent a repeat of a backdoor takeover?

YES. We are looking into tightening processes to ensure whoever is standing for election will have at least done some groundwork and has some knowledge of what is to be AWARE.

 
There is also a sizeable groundswell of opinion that some of your policies are out of step of with Singapore’s societal values. What do you say about that? And what are you doing about such perceptions?

Our programmes and policies are guided by the principles of gender equality for all. In the past 24 years we have successfully lobbied for the removal of the quota on women entering medical school, for equal medical benefits in the civil service, for protection against spousal violence and the rights of children born to Singapore women with foreign spouses.

We have contributed research papers on the experiences in our schools, on population issues and, on aging in Singapore among others. Ultimately, we are for a gender equal society where women have equal opportunity, choices and responsibilities with men.

If this is against Singapore values, what can I say? But, I would like to think we live in a more compassionate and reasoned society than our detractors appear to imply. I don’t think of it as being conservative or liberal. You can be conservative and still be compassionate and reasoned. You can be liberal and still be reasoned and compassionate, can’t you?

 
How did last Saturday’s “touch-base” with new members go? How many actually turned up? What events did you guys have?

We had over 20 people. Among them was an 18 year old college student who has volunteered her time during this June break. She said she was moved by the discovery that she didn’t have to fight for what are her rights today because they had been fought for her. We also heard AWARE has gone up in ‘cool’ factor among younger women! That is good to know. I think the best thing from May 2 is how it gave women and men a very real experience of what it is like to be counted.

 
Will you use this new mandate to try to build more tolerance and openness in other areas of Singapore life – not just gender equality but also racial and religious equality.

Our constitution is women specific. Although, I would say tolerance -non discrimination – is implicit in the core values of Trust, Respect and Choices for all women.

Related:

• June 14, 2009 -- IS Interview: Margaret Thomas
• June 14, 2009 -- IS Interview: Farid Hamid
• June 14, 2009 -- IS Interview: Hafizah Osman
• June 14, 2009 -- IS Interview: Pamela Poh
• June 13, 2009 -- IS Interview: Joanna D’cruz

 
A warm thank you to everyone who made the day possible.

Related:

• July 7, 2009 -- Video: New AWARE Training Institute Programmes
• July 2, 2009 -- Video: Yvonne Reflects
• June 25, 2009 -- Video: Hafizah Reflects
• June 18, 2009 -- Video: Aye See Reflects
• June 10, 2009 -- Video: Meera Jane Reflects

Margie

 
How long have you been with Aware?

Right from the start. Was a speaker at the Women’s Choices, Women’s Lives forum in 1984 that led to the formation of Aware, and then a member of the pro-tem committee.

What is your role within the organization as an exco member?

Ordinary exco member.

 
Individually, what are you tasked to do in the next 12 months or so?

Communications.

 
What have you learnt from the recent Aware controversy?

Several lessons:

• Singaporeans are not as apathetic as they have sometimes been made out to be, judging from the turnout at the EGM
• Many Singaporeans see the vital importance of maintaining our secular society, and are ready to step forward and defend it
• There are, however, some who are so caught up in their religiously defined perspective that they will act in very questionable ways
• NGOs like Aware have to be alert to the possibility that people who disagree with their aims and activities will attempt to hijack their organisations
• If the hijack fails, these people may continue to snipe at the NGO and keep repeating baseless accusations about the NGO’s aims and activities

 
In your individual opinion, what misconceptions about Aware continue to remain after this saga?

That Aware now has a pro-gay agenda and has attempted to promote homosexuality.

 
There is also a sizeable groundswell of opinion that some of your policies are out of step of with Singapore ’s societal values. What do you say about that? And as an individual, what are you doing about such perceptions?

If there is indeed such a ‘groundswell’ it is one that has been engineered by someone who, driven by her faith-based perspective, has decided that Aware needs to be fixed. She has completely misread Aware’s activities and continues to mislead the public on this.

It is sobering to see how mis-truths can spread and cloud public perception, and it is worrying to find that there are Singaporeans who will make judgments on the strength of these mis-truths.

 
What are some the biggest challenges faced by Singapore women today?

Lack of support for the multi-layered roles they play in society, compounded by the perception in many quarters that men should be the head of the household.

 
Has the recent controversy set the organization back? If so, how should the organization build itself up from here on in?

Yes and no. We now have 10 times as many members, and many more people in Singapore are now aware of AWARE. Unfortunately some of these people see Aware in the wrong light.

Contrary to what Dr Thio Su Mien continues to maintain, Aware does not have and has never had a pro-gay agenda. Aware has never promoted homosexuality. Aware has only ever promoted gender equality.

We just have to keep countering the mis-truths and misconceptions while continuing with our work. We have to stay connected to the many new members who signed up because they either believed in Aware’s cause or wanted to help maintain secularism in Singapore and the space for a diversity of views.

Related:

• June 18, 2009 -- IS Interview: Dana Lam
• June 14, 2009 -- IS Interview: Farid Hamid
• June 14, 2009 -- IS Interview: Hafizah Osman
• June 14, 2009 -- IS Interview: Pamela Poh
• June 13, 2009 -- IS Interview: Joanna D’cruz

Farid

 
Why have you joined Aware now? Was it solely because of the saga?

AWARE had always inspired me. However, due to work, family and other civil society commitments which I am involved in, I felt AWARE was in good hands and supported its efforts from the outside.

I joined AWARE because I felt my support was needed in a time of `crisis’. While I may/may not agree with some of the `content’ issues being debated, I stood firmly on the side of drawing the line between having `inclusivity’ in civil society. I stood for a clear separation between religious institutions and secular one. I stood for transparency in the election process. I stood for meritocracy…the old guard had (and still do) contributed much to the cause of women in our society…Dr Thio and the new team hadn’t. They should, as members, aired their views, lobbied for reform, volunteered and earned their right to be leaders instead of what they did.

There were serious precedents developing during the saga that would have had reverberations throughout society as we know it. Inter-religious and inter-ethnic/cultural harmony was being risked…I could not have just stood aside and watched.

 
What do you hope from the organization going forward?

I hope that AWARE remains inclusive, dynamic and robust – a shining example to the men and women of our society and, the rest of the world. I hope AWARE can bring the faith communities into the dialogue process too. There is much we can learn from each other.

 
As a new member, how do intend to help?

During the EGM, I volunteered as a First-Aider, just in case some assistance in this area was needed – regardless whether members came from either `side’. I responded to a case of breathlessness – due to an asthmatic condition.

I have also volunteered to assist in the design, planning, organization and facilitation of the “New Members” Forum in June.

 
As a man, what do you think you can bring to the organization?

I feel the issues being addressed by AWARE, although it concerns the development, and welfare of women in our society, can only be effectively addressed if BOTH men and women, boys and girls are included in the processes and platforms. The perceptions, issues, challenges and opportunities that face women and the `other side of the coin’ for men… and as such, the perspectives, experiences, voices and efforts of both men and women are needed.

As a man… as a husband to my wife… as a son to a mother… as a Father to 3 daughters…I can bring those perspectives, not only to the organization but to the circles of influence that I have in society.

 
As a concerned citizen, what in your opinion is the biggest challenge facing Singaporean women today?

“Singaporean women” are not monolithic in nature…different challenges face different ethnic/cultural, socio-economic, age groups….a large part of the issues facing the aged in our society are `women’s issues’ as they find themselves widowed. Women in Different cultural/ethnic and faith communities face different issues, challenges, opportunities as they attempt to grow side by side with their male counterparts – balance tradition, their personal needs and the needs of their families and communites.

The issues facing women include increasing the awareness of men – of their (men’s issues)…without men taking ownership of these issues, it can’t be `foisted’ upon them by women…the individual and society cannot grow optimally. Men need to explore and re-examine their values, their prejudices, their biases, stereotypes (of men and women) and establish new values… new awareness….

 
How would you help with gender equality in Singapore going forward?

As above. I would work on myself….I would work on the circles of influences I have….I must be congruent and walk my talk.

Related:

• June 18, 2009 -- IS Interview: Dana Lam
• June 14, 2009 -- IS Interview: Margaret Thomas
• June 14, 2009 -- IS Interview: Hafizah Osman
• June 14, 2009 -- IS Interview: Pamela Poh
• June 13, 2009 -- IS Interview: Joanna D’cruz

Callan works in IT Networking

 
Why have you joined Aware now? Was it solely because of the saga?

No. I have always been supportive of AWARE and their activities before this, but chose to step up and contribute when the story of the takeover broke. AWARE’s track record over the 24 years of their existence speaks for itself, and I feel that I can contribute my efforts into helping the organization move forward.

 
What do you hope from the organization going forward?

Besides continuing their enthusiastic work for the women of Singapore as well as raising awareness and research for issues affecting women, I also hope to see continued support from the members, especially those who have joined recently, as well as a concerted effort from AWARE to harness the energies of these members. Perhaps also a relook at what feminism means in the current context, as times and mindsets have changed.

 
As a new member, how do you intend to help?

In whatever way I can; my experience is in the IT networking field, and if they can make use of that experience I will be more than willing to pitch in.

 
As a man, what do you think you can bring to the organization?

I can bring a different perspective to feminist and women issues, both inside and out of the organization. The involvement of men in AWARE cannot be understated, as it means that feminist issues are not just affecting women alone.

 
As a concerned citizen, what in your opinion is the biggest challenge facing Singaporean women today?

In my opinion, it is one that is challenging to both women and men alike: how to balance a successful career with a family. There is still a fair bit of pressure for women to place a priority on family over her career, and sometimes many would feel that they have to choose one or the other when it should not be the case.

And even though it is not the biggest challenge in my opinion, I think the obsession with body shape issues is a close second. The fashion industry is not helping obviously, with the standards of beauty promulgated as an unhealthy shade of “slim”. It is not healthy physically or mentally to portray beauty in such a way.

 
How would you help with gender equality in Singapore going forward?

One of the best ways I can help with is promoting awareness of the issues amongst my friends and contacts, and by encouraging open-minded debate and discussion on them. Both men and women must be involved if true gender equality is to be achieved, and without a good understanding of the issues involved no one can make any informed decisions at all.

Related:

• June 18, 2009 -- IS Interview: Dana Lam
• June 14, 2009 -- IS Interview: Margaret Thomas
• June 14, 2009 -- IS Interview: Farid Hamid
• June 14, 2009 -- IS Interview: Hafizah Osman
• June 14, 2009 -- IS Interview: Pamela Poh

Hafizah

 
What are the main issues faced by Malay-Muslim women in Singapore today?

Given the current economic climate, I believe one of the main concerns would be economic stability. While not a major over-riding concern, there is still, I believe the issue of domestic violence.

 
As the sole Malay-Muslim member on the exco how will you address the above issues?

As a member of Exco I contribute to discussions and decision making. I also lend my skills and advice on website management and design. I think one of the most important things is to help publicise the programmes that AWARE has to offer – for example the Helpline services. It is important that women in distress, regardless race or religion have access to services they need.

 
As a committee member on the new exco what do you expect Aware to build towards in the next 12 months?

AWARE has done great work in the past 24 years and she will continue to do great work in the many years to come. At the present moment, our challenge really is to keep our members engaged and to be able to respond to their immediate needs and concerns. For me personally, I would like to see AWARE and her members continue with the great energy and enthusiasm that had brought so many of us together.

 
Personally, what have you learnt from the recent Aware saga and how will you be putting those lessons to use in the next 12 months?

For me personally, it was a wake up call of sorts. While I have been supportive of AWARE and have been familiar with AWARE since the late 80s, I haven’t really felt the need to join as a member. With the events that took place pre-EGM, I felt the need to do something about it and started getting involved. Moving forward, it is important that AWARE remains an inclusive organisation that embraces diversity. We must be sensitive to the needs of the women that we are looking to represent.

 
There is also a sizeable groundswell of opinion that some of your policies are out of step of with Singapore’s societal values. What do you say about that? And what will you and the new exco be doing about such perceptions?

AWARE promotes gender equality, non-discrimination and non-violence against women. How are these against Singapore’s societal values? Having said that, as an advocacy group and agent for change we understand the nature of our work can put us “out of step” with the rest of society. While we remain sensitive to divergent views the nature of our organisation is that we push the boundaries ever so often.

Related:

• June 25, 2009 -- Video: Hafizah Reflects
• June 18, 2009 -- IS Interview: Dana Lam
• June 14, 2009 -- IS Interview: Margaret Thomas
• June 14, 2009 -- IS Interview: Farid Hamid
• June 14, 2009 -- IS Interview: Pamela Poh

Pamela is a Freelance writer-translator
and a new member of AWARE

 
Why have you joined Aware now? Was it solely because of the saga?

In all honesty, I joined Aware because I found the methods employed by the New Guard to take over Aware disturbingly insidious. I also wanted first-hand knowledge of what both sides had to say at the EGM.

 
What do you hope from the organization going forwards?

I want to see it stay true to its stance of inclusiveness, helping and giving a voice to all women regardless of race, religion and sexual orientation.

 
As a new member, how do you intend to help?

I would be happy to contribute in the areas of translation, writing, public relations planning and event photography; however an amateur I am.

 
As a concerned citizen, what in your opinion is the biggest challenge facing Singaporean women today?

Unrealistic societal expectations: Many Singaporean women are expected to fill the shoes of a good housewife and career woman equally well while a man’s success is judged solely by his career achievements.

 
How would you help with gender equality in Singapore going forward?

Speak up against gender inequality in my immediate vicinity – around my home, workplace, and social circles; without fear or prejudice.

Related:

• June 18, 2009 -- IS Interview: Dana Lam
• June 14, 2009 -- IS Interview: Margaret Thomas
• June 14, 2009 -- IS Interview: Farid Hamid
• June 14, 2009 -- IS Interview: Hafizah Osman
• June 13, 2009 -- IS Interview: Joanna D’cruz

Joanna a new member of the AWARE EXCO

 
How long have you been with Aware?

Since July 2008. I was coordinating AWARE’s public education programes

 
What have you learnt from the recent Aware controversy?

I have learnt there is a lot of misconception about certain issues and people are very willing to extrapolate and jump to conclusions instead of finding out the facts first. I have also learnt there are people in Singapore who are passionate, articulated and who believe in speaking out and standing up for issues that are important to them. This is something I admire.

 
What is your role within the organization as an exco member?

As a member of the Executive Committee I contribute to decision making by bringing my views to the table. I also help out with the various duties.

 
Individually, what are you tasked to do in the next 12 months or so?

In the past weeks, I have been tasked with picking up the threads for the Top Girls project along with Martha. This project was initiated by the 2008 Exco (led by Constance Singam) It had suffered a little from the recent upheaval. We have another fund-raising project, a flag-day, coming up in August. It would be good if you cld publicise this when it come. I’m interested in public education so I’m likely to continue working in this area in the months ahead. However, we are discussing and defining the direction for the year and our duties could be further defined.

 
In your individual opinion, what misconceptions about Aware continue to remain after this saga?

I think the biggest misconception is the idea that AWARE has a lesbian agenda and that we are somehow narrowly focused on it. This is SO not true!

 
There is also a sizeable groundswell of opinion that some of your policies are out of step of with Singapore’s societal values. What do you say about that? And as an individual, what are you doing about such perceptions?

Since its inception in 1985, AWARE has always believed in a society where trust, respect and choice are the fundamental core values. Which I believe is in line with Singapore’s societal values. Singapore is a multi-cultural, multi-religion, multi-race country and in such a unique environment, it is imperative that everyone should have the right to equal opportunities.

 
What are some the biggest challenges faced by Singapore women today?

Well, women in different circumstances face different problems. In general, I think the equation of self-worth with the size and shape of her body and the fairness of her complexion perpetuated in the media is a insidious problem.

 
Has the recent controversy set the organization back? If so, how should the organization build itself up from heron in?

AWARE now has 3000 members, it’s highest number in 24 years. Sure there were some dramas that came along with it but life wouldn’t be exciting if there weren’t any. I don’t believe that the controversy was a set back, in fact I think it has helped this organization. And with this we will continue to grow and learn and make it better.

Related:

• June 18, 2009 -- IS Interview: Dana Lam
• June 14, 2009 -- IS Interview: Margaret Thomas
• June 14, 2009 -- IS Interview: Farid Hamid
• June 14, 2009 -- IS Interview: Hafizah Osman
• June 14, 2009 -- IS Interview: Pamela Poh

Joo Hymn is the Honorary Treasurer of Aware

What are the more immediate tasks you face as honorary treasurer for the new exco?
Review of the financial SOPs, to make sure that all processes for good governance are in place, and procedures are all clearly spelt out.

What are the main financial concerns faced by the organization in the short run?
To raise enough money for this year and the next.

As treasurer what are your short-term, mid-term and long-term goals for the organization?
By year end: To ensure that there is a comprehensive set of policies and guidelines in place for financial management that is clearly communicated to all staff and volunteers; and to hound the fundraising sub-comm to ensure there is sufficient money for next year.

How does Aware prioritize which of its program needs the most funding?
The Helpline and Direct services have recurring expenses, for which funds need to be raised every year. Some of our projects carry over from previous years. For other projects, the sub-committee responsible submits an estimated budget, and Exco approves the budget and raises the funds needed before the sub-committee can incur expenses.

Which program is the costliest to run?
Helpline and direct services.

The ousted exco spent over $90,000 in a month. How has this set the organization back and will there be any cutbacks because of this reckless spending?
We are still reviewing this expenditure, but it does look as if the increased membership subscription has not covered this amount (unlike what one of the ousted Exco’s supporters said at the EGM). We would like to raise more money to continue with our programmes, rather than cutting back.

Personally, what have you learnt from the recent Aware saga and how will you be putting those lessons to use in the next 12 months?
To ensure that there are sufficient checks and balances in place for large expenditures.

Related:

• June 18, 2009 -- IS Interview: Dana Lam
• June 14, 2009 -- IS Interview: Margaret Thomas
• June 14, 2009 -- IS Interview: Farid Hamid
• June 14, 2009 -- IS Interview: Hafizah Osman
• June 14, 2009 -- IS Interview: Pamela Poh

Nicole

 
How long have you been with Aware?

For the longest. Remember paying for my lifetime membership with one of my paychecks as a first year lawyer.

 
What have you learnt from the recent Aware controversy?

I had not been an active member for some time. But I decided to come out of the woodwork when there was a sudden change in leadership. Aware is the only credible feminist voice. My voice, my sisters’ voice is worth fighting for.

 
What is your role within the organization as an exco member?
Individually, what are you tasked to do in the next 12 months or so?

I bring my professional skills to the table. In particular, with the increase in membership, I look forward to working with the Legal Sub-committee on the governance structure of AWARE.

To be part of the “rainbow coalition”; to share my thoughts and views so that the collective voice would be one that embraces a diversity of viewpoints.

 
In your individual opinion, what misconceptions about Aware continue to remain after this saga?

That we have a hidden homosexual agenda.

 
There is also a sizeable groundswell of opinion that some of your policies are out of step of with Singapore’s societal values. What do you say about that? And as an individual, what are you doing about such perceptions?
Is there a groundswell of opinion? I am not too sure about that. Could it be a vocal minority?

Secondly, considering that we are a global city with a multi-racial and multi-religious tapestry, could there indeed be “Singapore’s societal values”. I am also uncomfortable with the phrase because it sounds so much like “Asian values”. What are these values, specifically?

If we are talking about informed choice; respect and dignity for all, I believe these values are universal and my fellow Singaporeans subscribe to these values too.

There may be some issues or concerns that we may be “out of step” with the majority. We are after all an advocacy / civil society group. For example, for AWARE, sex without consent is rape, even within a married couple.

 
What are some the biggest challenges faced by Singapore women today?

To have it all and to do it all. There are so many roles that we play – mother, wife, daughter, career woman, chauffer; hostess; party organizer; teacher, cook … the list goes on. Something’s got to give.

Equal opportunity. It is not just same work for same pay. But rather, is a woman given the same opportunity to do the same work. Are there sufficient female role models? Do employers value diversity and promote and train women as they do men.

 
Has the recent controversy set the organization back? If so, how should the organization build itself up from heron in?

Yes, it has. We have been inaccurately labeled and thus marginalized. Singaporeans are pragmatic, at the end of the day, if we doggedly continue to deliver on our myriad of programs, public opinion will eventually be swayed.

Related:

• June 18, 2009 -- IS Interview: Dana Lam
• June 14, 2009 -- IS Interview: Margaret Thomas
• June 14, 2009 -- IS Interview: Farid Hamid
• June 14, 2009 -- IS Interview: Hafizah Osman
• June 14, 2009 -- IS Interview: Pamela Poh