In Her Own Write (IHOW), a 3-day stimulating workshop organised by the AWARE Training Institute, is an intensive writer's workshop that intends to hone one's writing and analytical skills and increase one's understanding of the media and its evolving role in society. Held on 13,14 and 21st July, its guest speakers included leading journalists and media experts.

A letter was published in The Sunday Times,in the Talk section, on pg 41, 22nd July 2007.

This is the first published letter from the IHOW Workshop.


"It started off as an assignment that I had to do for the IHOW workshop. I always felt that writing a letter to the forum and getting it published was pretty cool, not because of the fact that it got published per se, but because I finally dared to send it to a national paper. I have always wanted to voice my opinions on some issues which I feel strongly about.

But prior to the workshop, I never put down my thoughts on paper because firstly, I do not know how to and secondly, because I am afraid of being 'burdened' with a huge responsibility with my words. I felt that if I wrote anything wrong, I would get criticised or sued. However, with the assignment, I must admit that at first, I did do it for the sake of doing it. It was only when I started on it and began to search for a letter to reply to that I found this issue which I am interested in and feel strongly about. Then, it is not a matter of just writing for an 'assignment' but something I have to speak out for, simply because I can and I must. When it got printed, I must say I am really happy. I feel like I am finally doing something and not just having ideas in my head. Also, the fact that it got published also means that the editor must have thought that it was an issue which deserves concern from the public and that I am a concerned citizen, not just a ranting and screaming fellow. I guess, with this boost to my confidence, I will definitely write in again should I find something which disturbs me or something which is unjust. As a follow-up to my application form, I am glad I really did make a difference after attending this workshop!"