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<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR>A step forward for women
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<!-- START OF : div id="storytext"--><!-- more than 4 paragraphs -->I WOULD like to congratulate Mrs Lim Hwee Hua on her appointment as Minister in the Prime Minister's Office. It is with great excitement and enthusiasm that I learnt about her appointment - a response, I am certain, many other women in this country share with me. This is certainly an encouragement to those already in politics but, more important, a step forward for women as a whole in Singapore.
In Singapore, women have reached high-level positions in the business world, including the banking sector, the civil service and academia. Women made inroads into politics as early as the 1950s. Many would agree that the appointment of Mrs Lim to this highest- ranking political position held by a woman is long overdue.
Foremost, it is important for women to contribute to diversity at every level of political representation so their voices are heard. In this regard, the impact of women's engagement in politics on government policies cannot be underestimated. Critical issues related to women, the family, childcare support and education tend to be singled out and granted greater attention. Here, the positive spillover effects on society at large are almost certain.
But it must be recognised that Mrs Lim has been appointed to this political position based on her merit and achievements. Nonetheless, the appointment also indicates the changes in perception towards women's critical role and contribution to politics - an arena dominated by men. Installing a woman in an important political position demonstrates the Government's commitment to gender equality.
I anticipate that greater demands will be expected of her. Nevertheless, I have every confidence she will make a positive impact at the decision-making level and on the lives of people in this country because of her goals, credentials and interests. Dr Theresa W. Devasahayam
Coordinator, Gender Studies Programme
Institute of Southeast Asian Studies
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<!-- START OF : div id="storytext"--><!-- more than 4 paragraphs -->I WOULD like to congratulate Mrs Lim Hwee Hua on her appointment as Minister in the Prime Minister's Office. It is with great excitement and enthusiasm that I learnt about her appointment - a response, I am certain, many other women in this country share with me. This is certainly an encouragement to those already in politics but, more important, a step forward for women as a whole in Singapore.
In Singapore, women have reached high-level positions in the business world, including the banking sector, the civil service and academia. Women made inroads into politics as early as the 1950s. Many would agree that the appointment of Mrs Lim to this highest- ranking political position held by a woman is long overdue.
Foremost, it is important for women to contribute to diversity at every level of political representation so their voices are heard. In this regard, the impact of women's engagement in politics on government policies cannot be underestimated. Critical issues related to women, the family, childcare support and education tend to be singled out and granted greater attention. Here, the positive spillover effects on society at large are almost certain.
But it must be recognised that Mrs Lim has been appointed to this political position based on her merit and achievements. Nonetheless, the appointment also indicates the changes in perception towards women's critical role and contribution to politics - an arena dominated by men. Installing a woman in an important political position demonstrates the Government's commitment to gender equality.
I anticipate that greater demands will be expected of her. Nevertheless, I have every confidence she will make a positive impact at the decision-making level and on the lives of people in this country because of her goals, credentials and interests. Dr Theresa W. Devasahayam
Coordinator, Gender Studies Programme
Institute of Southeast Asian Studies