SCWO bids farewell to a dear friend, Mrs Elizabeth Choy. 1910-2006

Elizabeth Choy was a woman who made a difference. War heroine and legislator, Elizabeth is an icon of the strength and resilience of women in Singapore. She was one of the founders of the Singapore Council of Women, a pioneer who played a pivotal role in shaping Singapore’s social and legislative structure.

“Elizabeth is a role model who worked towards a better future for women and society. Her determination to overcome barriers and her courage to fight for what she believed in is inspirational. We will remember her as a woman who cleared the path for us and opened up many possibilities that we enjoy today. She has always been very supportive of SCWO and attended many of our events. Just last year, we were most happy to be graced by her presence when we launched our Wall of Fame, of which she was one of the honorees. I remember her always as a gracious lady, tireless in her efforts to help” said Mrs Wee Wan Joo, President of the Singapore Council of Women’s Organisations.

“She was a lovely woman in every sense of the word. It’s sad to lose her,” added Mrs Tisa Ng, Immediate Past President, SCWO.

SCWO Wall of Fame - Elizabeth Choy

Mrs. Elizabeth Choy was the first and only women to be nominated to the Legislative Council. In 2005, she was honored by SCWO as one of the outstanding individuals who have made ground breaking contributions to the status and condition of women in Singapore. Immortalised on the SCWO Wall of Fame, her achievements and countless contributions will inspire and encourage the generation of today to understand that the future is ours to shape. The feudal social setting prevailing in the fifties was loaded against women. The status of women in the family and society were inferior to men, polygamy was common, very few were given education, jobs were not easily available and pay was never equal for both genders for the same job. Elizabeth Choy’s was instrumental in the move for women’s emancipation in Singapore.