MCYS SPEECH NO:19/2010
DATE OF ISSUE: 31/03/2010
At 8:00 PM at Shangri-La Hotel
Mrs S R Nathan, Patron of SCWO
Minister Lim Hwee Hua
Dr Ann Tan, President of SCWO
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good evening
I am honoured yet much humbled to be inducted into SCWO's Wall of Fame. I thank SCWO, women's groups, my family and friends for their support and partnership in helping me to serve the community, particularly the children, youth, elderly and, of course, women.
I am happy to have the opportunity to work with the women's wing in NTUC and the People's Association, the Cooperative Movement, the PAP Women's Wing and in MCYS to make a difference to the lives and well-being of women, families, the old and the young. In the last three decades, I have witnessed the progress and achievements of our women and nation. Singapore women have now attained equal opportunities in education and employment. Our women are now excelling in various fronts and professions. Technology and globalisation have opened up many opportunities for women. However, they have opened up new challenges to women, families and society as well. We must continue to review, refine and seek policies and social services to realign the relationship between men and women. And in so doing to establish the win-win equilibrium so that family can remain the cornerstone of our society.
At this juncture, I wish to congratulate SCWO for this evening's 30th anniversary celebrations. It marks a significant milestone in SCWO's history. I am delighted to be here to celebrate this important occasion with you. I would also like to thank the pioneers in SCWO for their support. Please give a round of applause to SCWO!
As the umbrella body of women's organisations in Singapore, SCWO has always been a strategic key partner for my Ministry. As a strong advocate and supporter of women's issues, it has spearheaded many good initiatives in collaboration with its member organisations.
I have always believed in the power of networking and that women should leverage on networking platforms to stay connected. The SCWO's Women's Register is an example of such networking platform. It is a web portal initiated by the SCWO to connect women with relevant expertise, experience and interests in the public, private and non-profit sectors. Apart from building networks, the Register gives women the opportunity to enhance their leadership abilities and to contribute to the community and nation.
SCWO has also done great work representing Singapore's women organisations at regional and international meetings and conferences. A large part of its work is understated and behind the scenes, reaching out to less privileged women. For example, it has been operating the Star Shelter and the IT Hub without much fanfare. It also raises funds through various creative ways, giving the more privileged sisters the opportunity to help. Going forward, SCWO will be setting up the Maintenance Support Central that will provide assistance in enforcing maintenance orders. I am confident that SCWO will continue its legacy for many more years to come.
Women from all walks of life should work together to improve the well-being of our fellow women and men so that together we can inspire our young and the generations to come. In this way, we keep the SCWO legacy alive and well.
Thank you.