Ladies and Gentlemen
Good morning
Thank you for inviting me to grace the third run of the Young Women in Leadership Dialogue, or Y-WILD. I am glad that we are able to hold this year’s Dialogue despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
Celebrating, encouraging and enabling the success of young Singapore women is a cause that is close to my heart. I am heartened to be surrounded today by many young women who stand out as role models, not only in our community but also to the nation. We are proud of their accomplishments. At the same time, it is equally important for those who have enjoyed the benefits of society to connect with others and give back to society.
In this regard, I am happy to launch the Young Women in Leadership Dialogue’s Commemorative Book titled, “Unprecedented – To the Beat of Her Own Drum”. The release of the book is timely as the Ministry of Social and Family Development has dedicated 2021 as the Year of Celebrating SG Women. The book features the stories of 20 young Malay/Muslim women who have achieved success in various forms in their lives. I believe this is the first book of its kind and thus an important contribution to the evolving role of women in our community.
To build a community of success, we need to leverage the diverse strengths of every individual. Mentoring youths is one powerful way to nurture and develop their potential. I am glad to see that the community is already embarking on this journey through the M3 initiative. This book is an important contribution to this effort. Telling stories is a time-tested way of shaping cultures and passing down shared values, and each of the stories captured in this book has the potential to move the heart of a young woman somewhere in the community to be the best version of herself. That is also a powerful message because we want the young women to look in the mirror and see a powerful version of themselves and not weaker versions of themselves. Through stories, we see elements of ourselves in others, and others in ourselves. If they can do it, why can’t we?
The stories in the book remind us that there are many different paths to success and that hardships are but a phase in life, a particularly relevant reminder during these difficult times. Ultimately, each young woman in the book has charted her own path to success. Take Nur Aziemah Azman for example. A former madrasah student and a graduate of the prestigious Al-Azhar University, she is currently an Associate Research Fellow at the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS). Today, her mastery in multiple languages, as well as her research expertise in the domains of online extremism, international terrorism, religion, and identity has given her team an edge in safeguarding Singapore’s security. Obviously, Azhar University’s religious education benefitted not only Aziemah but the community and Singapore as a whole because she has perspectives which she could bring to the table through discussions and discourses in such important topics. Or Siti Nurhajah Haron, who had to overcome homelessness and a variety of familial and medical issues to become the top nursing graduate of her ITE cohort with a perfect GPA. Her story will serve as an inspiration to many others in the community,
It is my hope that this book resonates with everyone in our society, regardless of gender, race, or religion. Change requires a whole-of-society commitment. Since September 2020, the Government has organised a series of Conversations on Singapore Women’s Development, together with various community partners. A recurring issue that has surfaced through the Conversations is the need for society to shift the mindset away from women being the de-facto caregiver at home. Everyone can contribute in enabling the aspirations of our young women to take flight, whether by changing such biased perceptions, supporting them in their endeavours, or even sharing household responsibilities. I am confident that the results of such efforts will be far-reaching.
I understand that all proceeds from the sale of the books will be channelled directly to MENDAKI Club's adopted charity for 2021, Casa Raudha. This will go a long way towards supporting Casa Raudha’s efforts in providing shelter for women (and children) who have been victims of domestic violence. I hope to see more men here in the next dialogue because the message must go to them. That is important. I hope that more institutions, organisations and people will come forward to support this cause. Thank you.