Gender equality has come a long way in Singapore, with significant progress made in recent years. However, there are still areas where improvement is needed to achieve full gender equality.
Greater Opportunities for Women in the Workforce
One area where progress has been made is in education. Women in Singapore now outperform men in many areas of education, with higher enrollment rates and better academic performance. This has led to greater opportunities for women in the workforce and has helped to narrow the gender pay gap.
Promoting Gender Equality in the Workplace
In addition, the government has taken steps to promote gender equality in the workplace. In 2019, the Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices (TAFEP) launched the “Mum’s At Work” initiative to encourage employers to support working mothers. The government has also introduced legislation to prevent workplace discrimination on the basis of gender.
The Gender Pay Gap in Singapore
However, there are still areas where progress is needed. The gender pay gap in Singapore remains significant, with women earning on average 16% less than men. Women are also underrepresented in leadership positions, with only 22% of board seats in the top 100 listed companies in Singapore held by women.
Workplace Harassment
There is also a need to address issues such as workplace harassment and domestic violence. A 2020 survey by the Association of Women for Action and Research (AWARE) found that one in three women in Singapore had experienced sexual harassment, and that only 23% of those who had experienced harassment reported it to their employer.
To continue making progress towards gender equality, it is important to address these remaining challenges. This includes promoting greater representation of women in leadership positions, closing the gender pay gap, and providing support for victims of harassment and violence.
While Singapore has made significant progress towards gender equality, there is still work to be done. By addressing remaining challenges and promoting greater representation and support for women, Singapore can continue to move towards a more equal society for all.
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