"Rocky Road to Equality" by Chloe Pang Kai Yi

The issue of women's rights has been a persistent concern in societies worldwide, and Singapore is no exception. Basic rights such as equality in the workplace, freedom from discrimination and violence, and access to healthcare are crucial for women's wellbeing. Unfortunately, the Gender Schema Theory contributes to the perception that women should conform to specific roles, which denies them these rights. As perceptions arguably shape actions, this theory influences individuals to impose traits deemed suitable for women, limiting their opportunities and perpetuating gender stereotypes. In Singapore, many issues confronting women such as job and leadership opportunities, and gender pay gap are fueled by this theory that exists in society today.

Women in Singapore face the glass ceiling, preventing them from obtaining high-level positions in jobs despite their experience or educational background. This is prevalent in Singapore’s corporate world, where women are underrepresented in high-ranking positions. For instance, a 2019 study by the Diversity Action Committee (DAC) found that women held on 15.3% of the board seats in Singapore-listed companies, with only 10% of these companies having a female CEO. This is arguably fuelled by the Gender Schema Theory, where individuals perceive men as more competent and assertive, and therefore better suited for leadership roles. In contrast, women tend to be perceived as more nurturing and therefore less capable in leadership, regardless of their qualifications. This type of cookie-cutter thinking limits the potential of women and perpetuates gender stereotypes that prevent them from excelling in their careers. Hence, even greater access to higher education for both sexes has not been able to change corporate mindsets about who goes to the top, with gender bias playing a significant role in this discrimination.

In Singapore, women face numerous challenges, including the pervasive issue of the gender pay gap. Despite public awareness about female empowerment being prevalent for decades, males tend to receive a higher pay than females. But why do females still earn less than their male counterparts? Women work equally as hard as men, and have the right to pay parity. Unfortunately, the gender pay gap in Singapore has been around for decades, where a report published by Glassdoor in 2019 found that 13% of women in the Singapore workforce earn less than men. This inequality is caused by gender stereotypes that continue to influence society today.

Another area women in Singapore have to contend with is abuse and violence, particularly sexual harassment. This issue is prevalent and perpetuates even in cosmopolitan Singapore. It often stems from male power and attitudes of control, as well as the above-mentioned perceptions of women as less than men. For instance, research conducted by YouGov Omnibus in 2019 found that a significant higher percentage of Singaporean women have experienced sexual harassment than Singaporean men, where 26% of Singaporean women face sexual harassment and only 9% of men face it. Sadly, the female victims of sexual harassment are often hesitant to voice out about their experiences to the relevant authorities due to embarrassment, as well as the fear of retaliation. Hence, this highlights the impact of male power which renders females more vulnerable to violence.

While women are still in many ways subordinate to men, there has been a significant improvement in gender equality from the past few decades. Efforts to promote female empowerment in Singapore have not been entirely futile. Singapore has seen an increase in women in leadership positions and a reduction in the gender pay gap. For the latter, statistics have shown that the gender pay gap decreased from 16.3% in 2002 to 6.0% in 2020, according to the Ministry of Manpower. Women in Singapore have also been given more opportunities to lead, with Halimah Yacob being elected as Singapore’s first female president in 2017. Thus, Singapore women are slowly breaking through the “glass ceiling” in today’s society.

In conclusion, addressing the issue of women's rights in Singapore requires a collective effort from individuals, organisations, and the government to challenge gender stereotypes, promote gender equality, and create policies that provide women with equal chances for leadership, healthcare, and career opportunities. It is imperative to recognize the value and contributions of women to society and eliminate discriminatory practices that limit their potential. While progress is being made, it is essential to continue pushing for change. The road to equality may still be a long and arduous one, but the end goal of women having a more inclusive and equitable society to thrive in is worthwhile.