The People’s Action Party (PAP) intends to field more women candidates in the upcoming General Election, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. This is to increase the representation of women in Parliament.
“Having that diversity in the team is very useful. So as a party, we will continue to ensure our candidates and our Members of Parliament cover a broad range, so that the PAP will always remain a party for all Singaporeans.”
PM Wong was speaking at the PAP Women’s Wing conference on August 31, celebrating its 35th anniversary. PM Wong, who is also Finance Minister and the party’s Deputy Secretary-General, noted that, throughout his career, he has benefitted from working with men and women who bring a wider range of perspectives. This diversity of perspectives has helped contribute to better solutions.
Close to one-third of current PAP MPs are now women, said PM Wong. There are now 23 women PAP MPs, compared to just three in 1984. The number of female political office holders has also increased.
PM Wong urged the public to support our party’s women political candidates when they are nominated. The next General Election must be held by next November. “When we do so, please support them! Help me to increase our women representation in Parliament.”
Advancing the cause for gender equality in Singapore is not a zero-sum issue: PM Wong
At the National Day Rally two weeks ago, PM Wong said that the work to refresh Singapore is not just about policy changes, but also about changes in Singaporeans’ attitudes and mindsets.
Speaking to over 300 party activists and partners at the Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel, PM Wong said that while many old attitudes towards girls and women have changed, there are still unhelpful gender stereotypes and labels. Hence, work is needed to push back on these labels, and build an inclusive society.
“To be clear, when we advance the cause for gender equality in Singapore, we must never see this as a zero-sum issue. Equality for women does not mean that men get less,” he said. “Gains that women make in society do not mean that men will inevitably lose out.”
He highlighted a growing divergence in views between men and women in some countries. This is because boys and young men also face challenges with education, jobs and mental health.
“If they feel their concerns are not adequately addressed, men and young boys, then out of a sense of insecurity, some may see the movement for equality for women as a movement against men,” PM Wong cautioned.
“We must never let that happen here,” he added. “The fact is that we are all in this together.”
PM Wong said that this is why he focused on this issue at the National Day Rally, where he mandated four weeks of paternity leave and introduced a new shared parental leave scheme.
Sim Ann: Women hold positions based on merit
In her speech, PAP Women’s Wing Chairwoman Sim Ann noted that although half of voters are women, politics has traditionally been dominated by men. However, with constant progress in women’s education and opportunities, things have been changing for women.
Ms Sim, who is also Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and National Development, acknowledged the contributions of past Women’s Wing Chairwomen. They include Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu and Minister for Digital Development and Information Mrs Josephine Teo, as well as retired women MPs Professor Aline Wong and Mrs Lim Hwee Hua.
Speaking to the media after the celebration, Ms Sim said PM Wong’s commitment to fielding more women in the upcoming election is encouraging. It affirms the capabilities and leadership skills of women. She added that this is also encouraging for those involved in ground activism, and noted that more women will likely step forward.
“It is very important for us to know that we hold these positions because of our merit and our ability,” said Ms Sim, when asked about target numbers for fielding women candidates.
“So, I would say that perhaps to put a numerical target may not be the key here. I think the fact that PM Wong has shared so openly about his confidence in fielding women speaks volumes about his belief and faith in women’s capabilities,” she added.
As part of the PAP Women’s Wing’s year-long focus on women’s health and wellbeing, a panel discussion moderated by Organising Chairwoman Rachel Ong (West Coast GRC) brought together experts from the medical and coaching fields to address mental resilience.
The PAP Women’s Wing will continue to stay close to the ground, said Ms Sim, to identify issues of interest primarily to women but also to men.
These areas include women’s health concerns, support for women at all life stages including marriage and parenthood, and caregiver issues.
Ms Sim added: “We want to advocate for policy changes that make it easier for women to fulfil their fullest potential, and we believe that this makes for a Singapore that is better for women and men.”
