Give new team a chance to succeed

Straits Times Forum letter by Ng Shin Yi, April 24, 2009 Friday

THE reaction (or overreaction) to the dramatic change in leadership in Aware is perhaps a surprise only in Singapore, where we take political stability and smooth transitions in leadership for granted.

It highlights the importance of each individual exercising his precious vote in the democratic process and the dangers of apathy. The members of Aware who did not turn up to vote, and the old guard who did not mobilise voters, will now have to live with the change in leadership.

We should not draw premature opinions on the convictions of the new leaders. Instead, we should respect the democratic process by which they were elected and give them a chance to further the good work that has been championed by Aware.

The new direction in which they will steer Aware will be judged by members and donors, as well as families and individuals supported by its many social services.

For the sake of the many women and children benefiting from the excellent social causes championed by Aware, I wish the new leaders all the best and hope they will build on the sterling achievements of their predecessors.

Ng Shin Yi

http://www.straitstimes.com/ST%2BForum/Story/STIStory_367803.html

Will programmes continue to be neutral?

Straits Times Forum letter by Ms Alexandra Serrenti, April 24, 2009 Friday

I COMMEND The Straits Times for highlighting the recent developments in Aware. In the light of the religious affiliations of most members of the new executive committee (exco), I seek answers on the future impartiality and professionalism of Aware's programmes.

Aware's counselling services are often the last resort for many women at risk who need special protection and care.

Some of my concerns are these:

Will victims of family abuse be given advice and support to leave their families and spouses if it is determined that they are at risk, given the 'pro-family' stance of the new exco?

Will rape victims be given access to all options during counselling sessions, including advice on abortion, given the 'anti-abortion' stance of the religious organisations to which many of the new exco members belong?

Will sex education programmes include information about the use of contraceptives in the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy, given the 'pro-abstinence' positions of most members of the new exco?

Will homosexual women seeking advice and help be supported in their struggle to come to terms with their identity in a supportive environment?

I shall be much reassured if the new exco members:

State publicly their exact positions on these points pertaining to Aware's social service programmes; and

Give an assurance of non-interference in the professionalism and impartiality of Aware's counsellors to provide advice that focuses exclusively on the welfare of clients who seek them out.

I seek such answers because the tussle is not an issue of religious versus secular life, or of endorsement or condemnation of homosexuality, or of being anti- or pro-abortion.

It is about transparency and honesty in providing social services and leadership so women can make informed choices about the type of organisation they wish to support and have support them.

Alexandra Serrenti (Ms)

http://www.straitstimes.com/ST%2BForum/Story/STIStory_367802.html

Aware chief: Sub-com head was not sacked

Straits Times Forum letter by Ms Josie Lau, April 24, 2009 Friday

I REFER to last Saturday's report, 'Sacked by a terse e-mail'. Ms Braema Mathi was not sacked as chairman of Aware's Cedaw sub-committee by e-mail or by any other means. Her appointment simply expired.

Under Aware's Constitution, the appointment and authority of each sub-committee chairman derive from the executive committee (exco). Thus, when the term of office of each exco expires, the appointment of each sub-committee chairman also lapses at the same time.

At the end of her term, the chairman of each sub-committee is obliged to account for the work accomplished during the last 12 months through the annual report presented at each annual general meeting (AGM).

The new exco considers the reports from each sub-committee and has the option to re-appoint the chairman for another term of 12 months.

At this year's AGM on March 28, then president Constance Singam informed the AGM that Ms Mathi would present her work in the form of a completed draft shadow report at the end of March.

As of Wednesday, no report has been given to us and neither have we seen a working draft.

We hope that this letter will present the facts as to what actually happened.

Josie Lau 
President of Aware

http://www.straitstimes.com/ST%2BForum/Story/STIStory_367804.html

Govt should ensure Aware stays secular

Straits Times Forum letter by Mr Ravi Govindan, April 24, 2009 Friday

I REFER to the change in leadership of the Association of Women for Action and Research (Aware). The technicalities of the society's leadership tussle are not an issue for most of us as it is an internal affair.

Of public concern is the implication of the leadership takeover, part of which was reflected by Ms Hafizah Osman in her letter on Monday, 'Passive supporters galvanised into action'.

Ms Hafizah was concerned that Aware was moving towards being an organisation of exclusion. I share her concern. To the neutral public, Aware serves a vital national purpose because it has pursued its aim of gender equality, regardless of race, religion or sexual preference, in a transparent, all-embracing way.

Because of its generosity of spirit and service to all, Aware has been a force for national good. My concern is whether the new leadership will continue this spirit of inclusiveness. Already, sexual minorities among the women have been forewarned that the new Aware agenda will exclude their voice.

While I am a conservative Asian family man, and firmly believe in the heterosexual definition of a married couple as the nucleus of a Singaporean family, I am, like Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew, realistic enough to appreciate the importance of accommodating non-heterosexual citizens in an all-inclusive Singapore.

The old Aware's spirit of non-judgmental activism and generosity reflects the charity and kindliness of the civil society we are trying to build.

Part of the secular strength of Aware previously was that it comprised leaders from multi-religious backgrounds - Muslims, Catholics, Hindus and Buddhists. The new leaders are largely mono-religious and appear to hold singularly exclusive views about religion, social and family behaviour and sexual mores.

What are the checks and balances, for instance, to ensure that women who are at a low and vulnerable point in their lives, and who turn to Aware for help, are not turned towards religious rather than practical answers?

I hope the Government, particularly the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports, will closely watch developments to ensure transparency and provide the necessary safeguards.

Ms Hafizah also wrote: 'Twenty-four years of serious work may now be threatened by a group of women whose religious affiliation may lead to an exclusionary Aware.'

I would add that government or independent guarantees must be in place to ensure that the wronged, the troubled and the abused whom the new Aware assists, should not have to be targets of proselytisation in order to receive the secular aid they need.

Ravi Govindan

http://www.straitstimes.com/ST%2BForum/Story/STIStory_367806.html

Let's not forget Aware's achievements

Straits Times Forum Online letter by Ms Martha Lee, April 24, 2009 Friday 08:16 AM

I AM writing in support of the Association of Women for Action and Research (Aware). Before joining Aware in 2002, I was asked if I really wanted to be associated with a group of pot-banging, men-hating feminists who were bitter with their lot and had nothing better to do.

Since a feminist is one who believes women should have political, social, sexual, intellectual and economic rights equal to those of men, I was joining in and taking action.

People have asked why I am fighting for women's rights when we already have so much. I had to explain the basics of gender equality, which is equality of genders or sexes. Aware advocated not for women, but both men and women. Also, until the day women really believe and embrace the power that is already theirs in working beside men, the work of Aware needs to continue.

I have volunteered with Aware in different capacities in the past eight years, including publicity, writing and fund-raising. I found the women there far from what is often perceived. They were highly intelligent, extremely articulate and respected successful individuals comfortable in their skin. Coming from diverse backgrounds - in terms of age, race and religion - we have worked side by side on serious issues and projects.

Aware has always had a fine reputation, successfully nominating not one but three candidates to be Nominated MPs. Consider this: Which organisation meets the police to discuss how rape victims can be better treated? Which non-profit group has heard the heartaches of women in Singapore for the past 15 years through its helpline? Which other group in Singapore has the guts and stamina to proactively advocate for women's rights?

Lately, Aware has been in the news for the wrong reasons. How was this hostile takeover even possible? Were the members asleep? No. We have simply been too busy doing the work. We did not anticipate this would happen.

But why wash dirty linen in public? Sure, we are embarrassed but do we have a choice? The new executive committee has not acted in the best interests of members and women at large with their hostile takeover, not to mention disbanding various sub-committees without reason.

I have been proud to be associated with Aware and these courageous women. The takeover has not changed this. We are now doing what we can to save Aware.

Women today can apply to be doctors, work in the civil service and enjoy the same medical benefits as men, or choose to stay home to cook, clean and wash for their family. We have choices our mothers and grandmothers did not have. Aware has made a difference to the quality of our lives.

Martha Lee (Ms)

http://www.straitstimes.com/ST+Forum/Online+Story/STIStory_367614.html

Form your own group, why take over another?

Straits Times forum letter by Mr Harvey Neo, 18 April 2009

I REFER to the dramatic events surrounding the shocking outcome of last month’s election of officials of the Association of Women for Action and Research (Aware).

The new executive committee might have won the election constitutionally, but it was hardly won with dignity and honour. Any group that is taken over completely by newcomers should cause worry and arouse critical questioning.

Moreover, the takeover was highly coordinated and ruthlessly orchestrated by members who joined barely three months ago, which gives rise to the suspicion that they are out to fundamentally and swiftly change Aware’s core beliefs.

Several members of the new committee hold strong opinions on homosexuality that are rooted in particular religious beliefs and equally strong beliefs about gender roles in the family.

There is nothing wrong with this. But a group with such a strong desire to overwhelm an organisation with like-minded people, whose views may sit uncomfortably with the fundamental visions of the organisation, would be better off starting their own.

I fear that while Aware’s new leaders have won control, they have lost legitimacy. Legitimacy is gained by trust and hard work, not by stealth. A procedural victory that capitalises on an organisation’s naivety is hollow and nothing to be proud of.

Harvey Neo