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