They are lauded as their children’s heroines but it’s a tough job.
Speaking from their hearts, 24 single mothers shared their experiences in an interactive session organised by the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) Women’s Development Secretariat (WDS) on 14 September 2013.
Among the NTUC women leaders present were NTUC Assistant Secretary-General Cham Hui Fong, NTUC WDS Director Sylvia Choo and NTUC WDS Deputy Director Ng Peck Kin.
Women leaders from the “We Care for U” project and Volunteerism Sub-Committee also provided useful information while listening to their sentiments.
“As a caring nation, we should help all individuals to progress especially those who belong to the vulnerable group… They have multiple problems and by providing this network of support and employment assistance to them, NTUC WDS hopes that they can move on and do well for themselves and their children,” said Sylvia Choo.
Ms Teo, a single mother to a 10-year-old boy appreciates how the NTUC WDS is helping her look for a job with flexible arrangements.
“I have been able to find out how to approach job opportunities, and what to expect from the labour market,” Ms Teo shared.
Ms Claudia Ku, who is a PME (Professional, Manager and Executive) in the real estate sector said that the event was something she needed.
“We were updated on the latest changes in childcare leave, something which I was not aware of. We were also given some useful information on housing that many of us wanted to know. Previously, I have had to wait long hours to seek such information that I had to know at Meet-The-People (MPS) sessions,” said Ms Ku.
WDS embarked on the “We Care For U” project to reach out and assist single mothers who face a mix of issues relating to housing, healthcare costs and handling children with special needs.
Currently, there are 492 single moms and 983 children under this project.
Original article written by Naseema Banu Maideen, and can be found in NTUC This Week (4 October 2013)
