Women in Singapore have made an impact on the country in the past few decades. As the country progressed, so have women workers.
In June 2018, the employment rate of women between the ages of 15 to 64 stood at 65.7 per cent, an improvement from 30 per cent in the 70s.
Today, about 53 per cent of employers offer at least one form of flexible work arrangement, up from 47 per cent five years ago.
We are also seeing more women joining tech start-ups as data analysts.
Working behind the scenes to contribute to this progress are 2,000 women unionists. They work tirelessly to advance the interests of women at the workplace.
However, Singapore President Halimah Yacob pointed out in her speech at NTUC’s International Women’s Day Celebrations on 12 March 2019 that although women make up almost half the number of union members, only 33 per cent of all union leaders are women.
“Women trade union leaders have played a critical role along with their male counterparts in making our workplace a fairer and just place for all workers … We have to understand that it’s not easy for women to hold leadership positions, as they have to juggle work and family, and also set aside time for their union work. So, I salute them for their commitment and dedication,” said Mdm Halimah, who was the guest-of-honour.
Mdm Halimah would be familiar with the work of women unionists as she was one herself.
As the director of the Women’s Programme and Women’s Committee, she led the launch of the Back to Work Programme in 2006, which helped thousands of women return to the workforce.
There is another former woman unionist worthy of note – Yu-Foo Yee Shoon. She headed the NTUC Women’s Programme to set up NTUC Childcare in 1977. At a time when childcare services meant that the centre only watched over a child while the parents were at work, NTUC Childcare provided a holistic development and early childhood education. Mrs Yu-Foo went on to become a Minister of State later in her career.
Women union leaders are expected, now more than ever, to hold the ground for women workers, especially in the face of rapid transformation where workplaces continue to evolve.
Mdm Halimah also said that one of the challenges for the Labour Movement is to build a steady pipeline of young women leaders.
“We need more women to come forward to serve at the different levels – branch, union executive committees and the NTUC Central Committee. I understand the challenges that women face in wanting to take up union leadership positions, but we have to walk the talk. If we truly believe that it’s important for women to be at the table so that their voices can be heard, then we have to make some sacrifices,” she said.
At its International Women's Day Celebrations, the Labour Movement shared that it is committed to grooming more women union leaders of the future.
NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng said: “Today, as we face a tight labour force and limited manpower growth, every worker matters. Therefore, we must strive to support our working women to keep up with the transformation of our economy. We need to build workplaces that nurture and groom women for leadership roles. And most importantly, we shall raise women union leaders of the future.”
This will be done through a women-only leadership programme, where veteran union leaders will mentor younger ones on leadership, overcoming unconscious bias, and building the confidence to lead.
These women union leaders, in turn, will be a stronger voice and better represent the needs, concerns and aspirations of working women in Singapore.
Although the initiative is in its initial stages, NTUC said that its Women and Family Unit will work with unions to enable more female union leaders to rise to leadership roles through a leadership development journey.
