At the 9.5 hour-long marathon debate on the White Paper on Singapore Women’s Development on Apr 5, you may have noticed a slight accessory on the majority of the MPs who spoke that day.
Did you see it? Here’s a closer look.
Hang on, there’s no need to wear your specs or go too close to the screen. Here’s the clearer version.
What is this badge?
This badge is an initiative of the Party’s Women’s Wing and was launched this International Women’s Day.
What’s the flower called?
This purple orchid is called the Aranda Mothers of Singapore. It was unveiled by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in May 2019 at the Women’s Wing special Bicentennial Tribute to Mothers.
It got its name and colour from its parents – the Aranda Christie and Vanda Varut Fuschia. Robust and free flowering, it produces straight upright inflorescences, similar to mothers whom are the pillars of strength in their families.
Why this flower?
The Aranda Mothers of Singapore orchid was chosen as the emblem to reflect the strength and resilience that our women embody.
Who designed the badge?
It was exclusively designed by local lifestyle brand Binary Style.
What’s the meaning behind the badge?
Other than reflecting strength and resilience of our women, this emblem also symbolises the Party’s collective action in the fight against online harms, especially to enhance online safety for young girls and women in the digital age.
Why did the MPs wear the badge?
They don it as a show of solidarity with our women.
Because every woman in Singapore must be empowered to succeed in all aspects of her life. We can all do something to support, uplift and protect the women around us.
A work in progress
Like what Communications and Information Minister Josephine Teo said in her opening speech at the debate, Singapore must not shy away from the daily battles that women are facing and that the PAP Government will not rest on its laurels.
“By any measure, Singapore women’s development has reached a very high base. As a result, we may have felt no urgency to further strengthen the position of women in our society. This Government, however, thought otherwise,” she said.
“We must always see the progress of women as a journey without end, where every achievement is a foundation to aim for new highs.”
Indeed, the unanimous endorsement of the White Paper is not the end goal but merely a step towards the right direction.
More will be done and the Party will continue to seek equality. For societies which do not realise the potential of women are worse off.
