The GEMS (Gender Equality Men of Singapore)

AWARE wants Singaporeans to know that gender equality is not just for women! Men and women both benefit from an enhanced understanding of what it means to be a man or a woman in the 21st century. With society rapidly changing and gender roles being redefined, men too need an outlet to discuss their thoughts and share their experiences. In January 2008, AWARE sponsored Singapore’s first Men’s Gender Awareness Group!

Bert Bjarland, spokesperson of Singapore’s 2007 White Ribbon Campaign, leads the GEMS. Bjarland has been conducting similar groups for over twenty years and says the most important characteristics of group members are “an open mind and a genuine interest and willingness to discuss, investigate, and work with one's masculinity.”

The objectives of the GEMS will include, but are not limited to:
- sharing experiences and feelings about being men;
- raising awareness about the differences between sex and gender;
- analyzing gender related strengths, weaknesses, expectations, and fears;
- developing and improving participants' experiences of leading a man's life, especially when sharing it with a strong and independent partner.

The aim of the GEMS is to encourage men to become part of the dialogue on issues of gender equality and understanding.

The GEMS meet every other Wednesday at LASALLE College of the Arts. Gather at the pond in the middle of the artificial green on ground level; from there we'll ascend to a study on the 5th floor, so please be on time.

Lasalle College of the Arts (1 McNally Street, Singapore 187940, tel 6496-5000, www.lasalle.edu.sg/) is the huge, black, cubic building diagonally across from Sim Lim Square at Rochor Canal, surrounded by Prinsep Street, Albert Street, and Short Street. (Page 111C, left edge, of the Street Directory.) The closest MRT is Dhoby Ghaut and buses 131, 147 and 166 stop at Bencoolen St.

To enroll in the GEMS or for more information, please contact Bert Bjarland at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it or 9073-2186. Walk-ins are welcome as well!