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Message from the President 
In March and in particular on 8 March we celebrate International Women's Day to commemorate the achievements women made after decades of struggles and emancipation. As we applaud and honour the women leaders who have paved the way for us, I reflect on my life, and the women who have made a difference to my life. How would my life have been different if I did not have women leaders to be my guide and my teachers? I know for sure my life would have been different. Unlike many leaders, I did not have any goals in life until perhaps 9 years ago. As a kid my biggest dream was to live in a wooden hut by the beach on an island. I didn't know what my life purpose was. Because I am relatively smart, school was always easy for me. I could remember my lessons in class and never needed to open my books after school. I cruised through school. And I was cruising through life as an adult when in 2000 I saw how an incest case that unfolded before my eyes destroyed the lives of others and changed mine forever. It brought back memories of the cases of domestic violence, underage sex and drug abuses that I saw as a kid growing up in the MacPherson Estate in the 70's and 80's. I thought I had successfully filed away the memories of my two 14-year old neighbours who were raped. As a kid I did not know what to do to help them and just watched helplessly when they turned to glue-sniffing to numb their pain. 
It was also in the year 2000 that I met a group of powerful, loving older women. This group of women took me in as their younger sister. At the same time I started working at UNIFEM Singapore where I continue to have the opportunity of working and learning from women who are leaders in business and community like Melissa Kwee, Claudine Lim and Trina Liang . These women have strong convictions for community service, a strong sense of responsibility for the community and the less privileged, and absolutely no desire for credit or publicity. 
All of these women shared their wisdom, knowledge and abundance with me, and when my spirit was down, helped mend my broken wings so I could fly again. During my presidency at UNIFEM when faced with a challenge I always know that I can overcome it because I have a circle of women who are always there for me to share their learning, to provide me emotional support or to pray with me. I know I can fly and live my life's purpose because of this circle of wise, loving women who came into my life almost serendipitously. My life would have been different without these women who came to be my mentors, my teachers and my big sisters. This circle of women came to be my circle of support. As we celebrate women's achievements this month of March, let us reflect on the women who have made the difference in our life. Perhaps some of you may already have this circle of support in your life. Perhaps it is time for you to reach out to another woman and be her mentor. Perhaps it is time for you to ask for support. Wherever you are in your life my wish for you is that you, too, have this circle of support in your life. Thank you for giving me and my team at UNIFEM the opportunity to provide this circle of support to other women through our work here in Singapore and in the surrounding region. We are able to touch their lives because you have touched ours. With much gratitude,  UNIFEM Recommends
International Women's Day There was a time not too long ago when women were expected to be the homemakers and men the bread-earners. Today, women across the globe CHOOSE to be both. Where before they were dictated to, today they are consulted with. International Women's Day is a celebration of exactly this. While it began in 1911 as a small occasion that celebrated women equality and empowerment, today it has expanded to become a prestigious global event where millions of women commemorate their economic, political and social advancements. In some countries, it is celebrated as an official holiday whereas the United States designates the whole month of March as "Women's History Month." Each year on March 8th, thousands of events are held worldwide to celebrate past struggles and inspire future ones. And each year these events keep getting bigger and better. 2011 will mark International Women's Day Global Centenary. IWD at UNIFEM HQ
IWD Around the Globe
Global Update - Women's Empowerment Principles UNIFEM and UN Global Compact have jointly launched an initiative entitled Women's Empowerment Principles, Equality Means Business. IWD at UNIFEM Singapore Fabric of Life 
Going once, going twice, SOLD! This was the recurring mantra on Saturday night, March 20th, where UNIFEM Singapore, Lotto Carpets, and the Obstetrician & Gynecology Society of Singapore (O & G) got together to celebrate "Fabric of Life, the first fine and antique carpet auction organized to benefit UNIFEM Singapore in connection with International Women's Day. 50% of the proceeds from the sale, amounting to more than $50,000, will go a long way in helping UNIFEM Singapore run our programs efficiently and effectively both locally an around the region. 
Our mission is to empower women so that they can enjoy a life free from violence, have equal access to health, hold the ability to generate income that will pull them out of poverty, and most importantly gain an education. According to a UNIFEM report, two-thirds of children denied primary education are girls and 75 percent of the world's 876 million illiterate adults are women. On an even scarier note, more than 2 million individuals are trafficked each year into commercial sex trade, 80% of whom are women and girls. Poverty and lack of education deem these girls vulnerable enough to be trapped into trafficking. Education is the single most effective tool which not only empowers women against the horrors of trafficking but also holds a direct correlation in reducing infant mortality rates. One UNIFEM report vehemently supports this by stating that for every year beyond fourth grade that girls worldwide attend school, wages rise 20 percent, child deaths drop 10 percent and family size drops 20 percent. Further studies have proven that when you educate one woman, you are in hindsight educating up to four children. A woman, a mother, is often the primary care-giver and it is up to her to pass her knowledge and skills to her children. If a woman is empowered she has the choice to work hard and ensure that her children are ensured at least a basic education and therefore a meaningful livelihood. The evening opened with Mr. Abid Mir, owner of Lotto Carpets, delivering a heartwarming speech followed by Dr Suresh Nair, President of O&G Society of Singapore and ended UNIFEM Singapore President, Ms. Saleemah Ismail thanking Mr. Mir on his generous cause and O&G Society for their support of UNIFEM programs to help women help themselves. "The beautiful carpets in this gallery also include efforts of women from Persia, the Caucus region as well as Kashmir and Nepal, efforts which shout their independence, their visions, their hopes and dreams. For those who bid and bought carpets, I know that the carpets in your homes will continue to work its beauty by changing the lives of women and families around the developing world" said Ms Saleemah in her speech. As the formalities drew to a close, the real action began when auctioneer opened the floor with the evening's first lot. Over the next hour, several guests generously bid on exceptionally unique and decorative, new, semi-antique and antique wool and silk carpets and rugs. As the first round of bidding drew to a close, the guests were invited for a sumptuous Indian dinner. A dazzling dhol (traditional Indian drum) performance entertained the audience while they dined on vegetable samosas and palak paneer. The second round of bidding began soon after with another 25 handmade carpets. The evening ended with generous bids and high hopes of helping those in need. Thanks to Lotto Carpets and O&G Society of Singapore, UNIFEM Singapore commemorates its UN International Women's Day and 10 years in Singapore with style.  UNIFEM Singapore celebrates "My Beautiful Life" 
In line with our mission to continue women's empowerment in the region, UNIFEM Singapore has established the UNIFEM Scholarship for Girls to commemorate our 10th anniversary. On Saturday March 6th we presented our inaugural scholarship funds to promising, yet at-risk, young women currently living in local girls homes and allowing them to take part in a life skills coaching program called My Beautiful Life. This year-long course provides mentoring and career guidance to equip participants with knowledge and practical skills that will help them in securing a job. Portions of these scholarships funds were raised at Buy to Save event, a charity designer fashion sale held last December where many of these recipients volunteered as merchandising assistants. Dressed in their best Baju Kurung (Malay's traditional dress reserved for most special occasions, a group of 19 girls selected from Pertapis Center for Women and Girls arrived to receive UNIFEM Singapore scholarships to the Beautiful Life's skills-training education program. "UNIFEM Singapore believes that education is the single most effective method to end the circle of poverty and violence against women. And that when you are educating a woman; you are educating the whole family because the woman is the primary care-giver in a home." said UNIFEM Singapore President, Ms Saleemah Ismail in her welcome remarks. Ms Melissa Kwee, Co-founder of Beautiful People shared about My Beautiful Life's personal development, mentoring and career exposure activities and shared a testimonial video of participants and volunteers involved in the project. "It's our joy to be a community that supports each girl to discover her gifts and passion and pursue her life dreams." The Scholarship presentation was the main highlight on the agenda and each recipient proudly stood before the audience to receive their certificates from Ms Saleemah and Ms Melissa, with a round of applause and resounding cheers from friends and family members in the background. A sumptuous buffet, prepared by inmates from Singapore Prison, followed the award ceremony. During the meal, the UNIFEM Singapore newsletter team chatted with several recipients on their experience prior to and at Beautiful People. A 15-year old recipient expressed her gratitude of receiving the scholarship by saying, "It's like being given the opportunity to look into a crystal ball to see my future. I'm able to see what I can do with my life and plan for my future. I want to be a dancer and a make-up artist". The girl's mother who came to support her daughter was just as pleased with her daughter's progress. "I admitted my daughter to Pertapis myself because I want her to be a better person. I am very happy to see her today. She's very focused on her goals and learns to live life as a responsible girl." Another 17-year old recipient, a girl with an enterprising mind said, "I like learning about the retail service in the program. Someday I want to open a fashion boutique and expand it to a cyber cafe, music shop and mini library." In addition to providing skills training, another important aspect of My Beautiful Life is building the support system from the 'big sisters' to walk with the 'little sisters' through the journey and keep them going when the going gets tough. One big sister shared her reason to volunteer for the role, she said "I had a hard time during my secondary school years; I wish I had a big sister to guide me then." She also mentioned that the most fulfilling part of being a big sister is that knowing you can make a difference in someone's life. "It's a long process. It takes effort to build that relationship. But it's worth it." Big sister, Suguna, shared her story during the ceremony said, "Between juggling work, kids and household matters, I find it heartening to hear stories of my little sister's achievements." Her little sister expressed mutual fondness for the big sister. "I feel grateful to my wonderful big sister. She is always there for me and listens to me. I can share everything with her." An outsider's eye would claim them to be extremely close friends. Every girl has a dream and it only takes support from people who believe in them to bring out their best.  INSEAD Celebrates Women 
On March 11th, UNIFEM Singapore was proud to be one of the supporters of the annual INSEAD Celebrates Women series held in conjunction with International Women's Day. Slowly but surely INSEAD's Claude and Tuulilikki Janseen Auditorium filled to capacity with a melange of business women, finance students and quite a few men considering the event's title, "Success despite glass slippers and other slippery situations: Women's psychological and behavioural navigation of professional life.." As INSEAD's Dean of MBA Programme, Jake Cohen gave a warm welcome to the audience he built on the university's growth towards advancing women in business. Founded 50 years ago in France and completing its 10th year in Singapore this year, INSEAD is the largest MBA programme and third best for women, beaten only by Wharton and Harvard. Recently, the university has spent 250,000 euros towards the support of gender diversity. Zoe Kinias, INSEAD Professor of Organisational Behaviour, began her extremely integral talk on the effects of cultural beliefs in the workplace, and the issues that surround them with, of all things, narrating the story of Cinderella. Soon after, she delved into the fairy tale by discussing its various implications on how women today are seen and affected in organizations across the globe. Interestingly enough the story has compartmentalized women into three distinct categories: docile victim, conniving culprit or magical problem solver i.e. Cinderella, evil step-mother, or fairy godmother. Professor Kinias further explained how these categories have formed themselves into certain stereotypes today thereby leading to slippery situations. She spoke about how certain women abuse their femininity to get ahead (the sexy secretary factor), about how certain women's abilities are unintentionally not noticed due to lack of ambition (the nice girl factor) and finally about how certain incredibly capable women are deliberately left behind because they are not feminine enough (the Battleaxe factor). For the latter example, Professor Kinias touched upon the case of Ann Hopkins who was intentionally denied partnership in her firm due to the Battleaxe factor. Towards the end of the disccusion, Professor Kinias spoke about how women can help themselves avoid "slipper situations" by being aware of what image they are portraying and by being good models to others around them. The presentation's last slide depicting a hammer breaking a pair of glass slippers left the mainly female audience with hope for better success in the working world. This intense discussion was followed by a reception where the audience happily mingled and conducted light-hearted arguments about gender equality over white wine and finger food. IWD Mastercard Luncheon 
On March 15, MasterCard hosted a luncheon for women leaders in business and community to come together and celebrate the successes of women in the region. The event held in honor of International Women's Day carried the homogenous message of commemorating empowered women across Asia Pacific. The results from the latest MasterCard Worldwide Index of Women's Advancement revealed a slight rise in pan-regional index score from 84.47 in 2009 to 85.57 this year. For more information, click here. The Index measures the socioeconomic level of women in relation to men, providing grounds for comparison of gender distribution and equality in the market. Seven markets in the region - specifically India, Indonesia, South Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, and Taiwan - showed improvements in their overall scores. The data showed more women occupying the role as financial decision-makers in their own households, with 11 of the 14 markets showing significant increases. Additionally, women are seen to be more confident consumers than men. Although these developments are encouraging, there is still a lot to be done in the fight for gender equality. UNIFEM President Saleemah Ismail raised the prevailing issue of sex trafficking and UNIFEM's ongoing endeavors against it on macro and micro levels. UNIFEM reports emphasize that over 1.8 million individuals are trafficked each year, 80% of whom are women and girls who due to poverty and lack of education are regularly trafficked in the commercial sex trade. Last year, UNIFEM partnered with MasterCard Purchase with Purpose initiative to support Women with HIV/AIDs in Cambodia, the establishment of one-stop crisis and skill development centres for abused women in Aceh, and girls living in at-risk shelters in Singapore. Ms. Saleemah, who extended her gratitude towards MasterCard, said, "It was a busy year for us, and thankfully we had the support of MasterCard." MasterCard has been devoted to empowering women with several initiatives like U21 Global Scholarship for Women in 2006, Threads of Life gallery in Indonesia, and Rags2Riches - an outreach program in the Philippines which trained women who weave for a living to craft quality designer works and provide them with links to the market. It has also managed its resources to develop a better understanding of women in the Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa. WomenSpeak: International Women's Day Women hold up half the sky, says a Chinese proverb. Think of a special woman in your life, and you'll know that this is true. On March 8, we celebrate International Women's Day. While we celebrate the contributions of the women in our lives, take the time to remember that our modern world has yet to achieve gender equality, especially in developing countries. Women today perform two thirds of the world's work, and women produce half of the world's food. But worldwide, women earn only 10% of the income, and own 1% of the property. On March 8, 1908, 15,000 women marched through New York City, demanding the right to vote and to be heard. Today, over a century later, women and men around the world continue the fight they started: we continue to fight for equal rights and equal opportunities for women. Every year, thousands of babies are killed - due to the very fact that they are female. Thousands more girls are deprived of health care and an education, and the right to choose their destiny. This International Women's Day, remember these girls around the world, and join us in striving for true equality.One day, women will truly hold up half the sky - economically and socially. If you know a special lady, make sure you let her know how much she means to you! Like Mark Twain wisely said: What would we be without women? 'Scarce, sir, mighty scarce.' IWD Reception at Australian High Commission In honor of International Women's Day, HE Mr. Doug Chester hosted the Australian High Comission's annual reception "Women Mean Business," on March 11. Now in its fourth year, Women Mean Business is established as Singapore's premier event, aimed at highlighting the significant contribution made by women in business worldwide, and providing a forum for businesspeople to unite, network and learn from one another. Women Mean Business also marked the launch of 'Mist' by Nerina Lascalles, an accomplished Australian artist who has been exhibiting in Australia and internationally for more than 20 years. According to Ms. Lascalles, "This body of work was inspired by 15 years study of a number of Asian cultures which offer both Eastern and Western cultures a glimpse of a different and perhaps more honourable and balanced way of being." UNIFEM Video Click here and watch UNIFEM 10th Year Commemorative Video.  UNIFEM Singapore in Action Coming Soon: UNIFEM Book Club Inspired by one of our volunteers, UNIFEM Singapore is pleased to announce the formation of a book club. Held once every two months at our 2 Nassim Road office, the book club will feature an array of local and international authors with a focus on women's literature. In order to ensure a captivated audience, we welcome all recommendations and requests. Please email your book of interest to contact@unifem.org.sg. The Love and Light Festival 
On 27th February 2010, UNIFEM Singapore participated at the The Love and Light Festival, a one day event especially dedicated to the celebration of Love, Healing, Wisdom and Creativity, held at the Suntec City Concourse. The Festival had 108 booths featuring exhibitors and vendors across a broad range of professions and services, with complementary psychological and physical therapy, alternative healing sessions, psychic readings and, for the eco-minded, a farmland's worth of organic produce and environmentally-friendly products. Some of the more interesting workshops included Spoon Bending, Develop Your Intuition, Kundalini Yoga and Talk to Your Crystals. The exceptional percussion performances by the Andrew and Grace Home drew large crowds, including those who didn't intend to visit the festival, but couldn't resist the sound of the music! UNIFEM had a stall right in the centre and attracted quite a lot of interest, especially the Day Off campaign. People found the campaigns inspiring and many were interested in volunteering with the organization and in helping to generate awareness. UNIFEM collateral such as the tote bags and cards sold at a record rate! We look forward to future collaborations with the Love and Light Festival.  UNIFEM Film Series: Your Name is Justine 
On January 29, 2009, UNIFEM Singapore continued its stance again human trafficking by showcasing the critically acclaimed film "Your Name is Justine" to a full house at Cathay's Picturehouse. What began as a slow stream of people picking up their confirmed tickets a good hour before the show grew to a long queue just minutes before the screening. Due to the overwhelming response resulting in a packed theater, a second screening of the film was held at the UNIFEM office on Nassim Road. Those hopefuls who were turned back at the Cathay were more than happy to be directed to the alternative location. UNIFEM interns and volunteers were constantly present on both sites throughout to dole out pamphlets and brochures containing vital information regarding the nightmare we call 'human trafficking.' Approximately two million people are sold worldwide everyday of which two hundred thousand of them are women sold into brothels. "Your Name is Justine" tells the heartbreaking story of just one of them. Parentless at a young age, Mariola is living a simple life with her grandmother when her boyfriend, Artur (Rafal Mackowiak) suggests joining him on an adventurous road trip through Germany. Conned by his charms, an otherwise sweet and innocent Mariola lies to her grandma and sets of with Artur only to be sold off. This film depicts the plight of thousands of teenage girls and young women who are not only betrayed by perfect strangers but sometimes by their friends and relatives alike. In most cases, from the moment they are sold off, they are first raped by their buyer, an inhumane scene which is caught on video tape. The girls are then told that they will not be welcomed back into their houses after their families watch them being defiled. Convinced that this is the case and with broken morales, most girls succumb to their bleak future as prostitutes. But that does not always have to be the case anymore. There are many international organizations today which are fighting to ensure a safe tomorrow for those unfortunates who are abducted and sold off.  UNIFEM Film Series: Lilja-4-Ever 
On February 26, 2010, the UNIFEM Film Series, as part of the STOP Human Trafficking campaign, screened its second award winning full-length feature film "Lilja 4-Ever" written and directed by Lukas Moodysson, free of charge to the public. The film is set against the bleak background of an economically depressed blue collar town in an Estonian village whose population's morale is destroyed by the closing of its main employer. 16-year old Lilja is devastated when her mother abandons her to leave for the U.S. in search of better opportunities. Lilja secretly hopes and prays that her mother will arrange for Lilja to join her there soon. But slowly her hope disappears and a naive rebellion takes its place leading to skipping school, experimenting with drugs and shedding all responsibility. The country's social welfare system, her mother, and her aunt all let the young woman down. The only one Lilja finds solace in is Volodya, a troubled homeless boy who like her has turned his back on society. Let to her own devices, Lilja quickly realizes that she is gearing towards desperation and starvation. Her pangs of hunger and ill-advice from her only caretaker lead Lilja to take a train to the city and enter the world of prostitution - a world she is not equipped for but one she feels is her only choice for survival. While in the city, Lilja befriends a young man named Andrei, a charming foreigner who convinces her he can get her a job in Sweden. Upon her arrival in Sweden, Lilja's new "boss" rapes her, locks her up in a one room apartment, and daily drags to be sold to customers for his own profit. This award winning movie was designed to create discussion around the topics of human trafficking. The audience at the Cathay Picturehouse was given a factsheet on sex trafficking, and the opportunity to support UNIFEM Singapore's initiatives by signing up as members and purchasing UNIFEM merchandise. The UNIFEM Film Series is an initiative promoting an open dialogue of women's issues within our community, and a platform for member support with UNIFEM campaigns. We would like to say a big thank you to all participants and presenters for making these events possible. We also look forward to even more successful UNIFEM Film Series in the months to come.  Contributors: Text: Tara Strunk, Camilla Adinda, Mrinalini Venkatachalam, Ayesha Azhar Siddiqui, Sylvia Koh Images: Sharan Kaur, Abundant Lee, Camilla Adinda, Ayesha Azhar Siddiqui UNIFEM - SOUND OUT Against Sex Trafficking 
Thanks to UNIFEM and TBWA/Tequila Singapore, saved by the bell will now have a new connotation. Log on to our SoundOut website or on Sound Out Facebook to pledge your support against sex trafficking by 'ringing a bell.' This campaign looks to raise awareness among Singpaore's general public about the horrors of sex trafficking and what you can to do to stop it. The website contains up-to-date information on the issue, a calendar highlighting relevant events and contact information for schools and organizations looking to get involved in the fight against commercial sex. Ring a Bell today. Who knows maybe you'll save someone from becoming a victim tomorrow. Join the UNIFEM Singapore Group on Facebook 
UNIFEM Singapore is now on Facebook! Our Facebook group is an active platform for UNIFEM Singapore to share updates, photos and information to all group members. It will also serve as a forum for group members to share ideas and thoughts about women's issues. The UNIFEM Singapore Facebook group is open to everyone. To join, simply search for 'UNIFEM Singapore' on Facebook. Just a small reminder, please note that you have to sign up for Facebook before you can join the group. |
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