What should a women's organisation like Aware stand for?

One of my friends ask me about what's the real story behind Aware...some of my thoughts and reflections.

I firmly believe that one need not have to be an organisation like Aware to make a difference to women.
But, really, this big saga made me probe deeper and think about Aware too ....about what is Aware really about, and what should a woman's organisation stand for, and why the tussle (between the conservatives, moderates and liberals) often poses many questions and is becoming a very complex issue.

Well, the real issue is that NGOs (and AWARE) are always secular. But Aware is now being hijacked by these Christian fundamentalists who have a religious agenda. While they are properly elected, its method has sown distrust among the members and the public. (more so, with the emergence of the secret "feminist mentor"..ha) From their recent behaviour, they have also shown much disrespect to the old guards, and failed to communicate or clarify their stand to us (members)…and not keen to have open dialogue. This lack of transparent is disturbing to many. Besides, none of the new Exco has shown interest in the organisation, otherwise why didn’t they participate in any of Aware’s activities or volunteer before.

Check out this quote by the self-proclaimed, "feminist mentor":
“Please ask your like-minded friends to join Aware so that you can give the vote to those who wish to be an agent of change for the Lord.. Unfortunately, I cannot surface but shall be assisting in the background. I attach the Aware membership application form for your use. The Aware application form has a section as to who (if any) told you about Aware. You can just leave it blank.” - SuMien, one of the leaked emails.

In my opinion, if these Christian fundamentalists were to start their own organization, it would be labelled a Christian organization and therefore seen as biased and less popular. As mentioned in the media, it seems like Aware has become a convenient organisation for them to further their cause -- and particularly, Aware has built up a strong reputation over the past 24 years, as well-established organisation internationally (e.g. UNIFEM).

Whichever, the new team it is, I hope they can address and protect the interests of all women, and not focus their energy on politicking. It really saddens me that the whole discussion -- and the mainstream media is focusing on the “homosexuality” (pro-gay) issue... which leads to the divide between Christian Right and the Gay Lobby.

To me, Aware stands for inclusiveness and secular - allows for diversity of views, and protects the interests of Singaporean women. I have really learnt a lot from this organisation, the volunteers and people that I have worked with - are very dedicated females and respestable leaders who cares so strongly for something that they will stand up for injustices and speak up!

As a Singaporean woman, I’m deeply worried for the future of Aware, and how this new Exco can continue advocate for changes for all women in Singapore, regardless of religion, age, and race.

Since 1985, Aware has been advocating for equal gender opportunities for women....and improved the progress of women through: public education, leadership/financial intelligence workshops, direct services, Befriender, helpline to distress women; Research on CEDEW, White Ribbon Campaign (campaign for elimination of violence against women), workplace harassment, work-life balance, body-image, and lobbied for institutional changes – children of overseas Singaporean women to be successfully granted citizenship since 1999. Hence, the homosexuality debate should not be the focus, and both sides should not use this platform to fight for their own interests...

To most of us, this is a fight for civil society to be secular.

This saga certainly opens up a v.lively debate among the civil society and the online community. Some interesting blogs you can check out:
http://singaporedaily.net/2009/04/25/daily-sg-25-apr-2009-aware-weekend-special/
http://theonlinecitizen.com/2009/04/we-cannot-have-people-acting-like-moral-vigilantes-says-awares-old-guards/
http://blog.alicecheong.com/?p=415

Dear friends, do give me a buzz if you have any thoughts/strong concerns, or wish to speak up about this. Thanks!

Just wanted to do my little part as a member of aware over the last 3yrs and, hopefully, to dispel some myths ...

Love to hear from other SIngaporean women, what they hope for in Aware in advocating for equal gender opportunities for women.

Sleepless Shan

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the eogm is happening next Sat, 2 May.