Association of Women for Action and Research (AWARE)

The Association of Women for Action and Research (AWARE) is Singapore’s leading non-governmental organization focused on advocating for gender equality and women’s rights. Founded in 1985 by a group of 14 women, AWARE has become a prominent voice in addressing systemic barriers that prevent individuals from realizing their full potential due to gender discrimination.

Mission and Vision

AWARE’s mission is to remove gender-based barriers through education, research, advocacy, and support services. It envisions a society where people of all genders can thrive without discrimination or prejudice.

Key Areas of Work

1. Research and Advocacy

AWARE conducts extensive research and advocates for changes to laws and policies to address systemic gender inequalities. Its advocacy covers:

Workplace Equality: Campaigns against sexual harassment and workplace discrimination, including the push for fair maternity leave policies and equal pay.
Violence Against Women: Advocates for stronger legal protections and social support systems for survivors of domestic violence, sexual harassment, and assault.
Support for Marginalized Women: Includes single mothers, domestic workers, and low-income women.

Notable campaigns include:

We Can! End All Violence Against Women: A global campaign adapted in Singapore to address domestic violence and its social normalization.
Say No to Workplace Discrimination: Advocating for inclusive hiring practices and stronger protections for women in the workplace.

2. Education and Public Awareness

AWARE organizes workshops, public talks, and educational campaigns to promote gender awareness. Programs include:

Training and Corporate Workshops: Gender equality training for workplaces, schools, and community organizations.
Outreach Campaigns: Initiatives like Why Gender Matters and Equality Works raise awareness about the intersectionality of gender with race, class, and sexual orientation.

3. Support Services

AWARE provides comprehensive support for women facing crises, including:

Women’s Helpline: A toll-free, confidential helpline offering emotional support, practical advice, and referrals.
Sexual Assault Care Centre (SACC): The first specialized center in Singapore offering holistic support to survivors of sexual violence, including counseling, legal advice, and case management.
Legal Clinics: Free legal advice on family law, employment disputes, and protection orders.
Befriender Services: Volunteers accompany women to police stations, hospitals, and court hearings.

Key Achievements

Sexual Harassment at the Workplace Survey (2008):
- AWARE conducted Singapore's first survey on workplace sexual harassment, leading to heightened public awareness and policy discussions.
Sexual Assault Care Centre (2014):
- Established Singapore’s first support center for survivors of sexual violence, offering free counseling and assistance.
Advocacy for Single Mothers (2016):
- Successfully campaigned for single mothers to receive 16 weeks of maternity leave, equal to that of married mothers.
Repeal of Section 377A (2022):
- AWARE was a vocal advocate in the successful repeal of Section 377A, aligning gender and sexual equality in Singapore’s legal framework.

Challenges and Controversies

Navigating Conservative Pushback:
- AWARE’s progressive stances, particularly on LGBTQ+ rights and reproductive health, have faced criticism from conservative groups.
Balancing Advocacy with Practical Support:
- The dual focus on systemic change and direct support for individuals requires significant resources and coordination.

Takeover attempt by the Church of Our Saviour

In 2009, the group made news when a group of conservative Christian women from the Church of Our Saviour, under the leadership of Josie Lau and orchestrated by Dr Thio Su Mien (mother of then Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP) Thio Li-ann), took over the executive council of the group alleging a pro-gay agenda. Six of the 11 newly elected executive committee were new members who had only joined three months prior to the election, and 80 of the 120 attendees of the meeting were similarly new members. The old guard called for a no-confidence vote and the new council was voted out of office on 2 May 2009 after almost 3,000 people had joined the group. Of the 2,175 people who voted at the meeting, 1,414 voted for the no-confidence.

Deputy Prime minister Wong Kan Seng commented that "a group of conservative Christians, all attending the same church, which held strong views on homosexuality, had moved in and taken over AWARE because they disapproved of what AWARE had been doing", and called for tolerance, cautioning that religion and politics must be kept separate.

Impact

AWARE has been a trailblazer in shaping Singapore’s discourse on gender equality, paving the way for significant legal, social, and cultural changes. Its dual focus on advocacy and support services ensures that while it works toward systemic reforms, it also provides immediate assistance to individuals in need. AWARE continues to inspire and empower generations to build a more inclusive and equitable Singapore.