Singapore, March 17th 2007 – Monumental book, SMALL STEPS, GIANT LEAPS: A HISTORY OF AWARE AND THE WOMEN'S MOVEMENT IN SINGAPORE was launched today at East Coast Park in conjunction with International Women's Day 2007. The book, published by the Association of Women for Action and Research (AWARE), looks at the history of the women's rights movement in Singapore, both pre- and post-AWARE and was edited by Mandakini Arora.
 
Gracing the historic occasion were nine of AWARE's past presidents: founding president Lena Lim, former Nominated Members of Parliament  Kanwaljit Soin and  Claire Chiang, Veteran Social activist Constance Singam, AWARE stalwarts Hedwig Anuar, Zaibun Siraj, Dana Lam, Khoo Heng Keow, Phyllis Chew and Current President Tan Joo Hymn.
 
The launch was the first time that nine past presidents of AWARE gathered together at an event.

The book is a history of reform and radical change in the lives of women in Singapore over the past 150-odd years - from missionary efforts to educate girls in the nineteenth century to the struggle against polygamy in the 1950s to campaigns against domestic violence in the 1980s and 1990s. The book includes stories of pioneering women whose achievements in different fields, such as medicine and law have opened new doors for all women.

Says Aware President Tan Joo Hymn: "Many women in Singapore are oblivious to the fights that were waged in the past which got them the choices and opportunities they enjoy today like education and equal medical benefits. I hope that through this book, they can learn about the women pioneers who have bravely paved the way for the next generation of women and men and be as inspired by them as I am."

The launch was held in conjunction with AWARE’s Women’s Outdoor Challenge, a fun-filled women’s sporting event, which saw more than 1000 women running for a good cause at East Coast Parkway. The Book Launch and the Women’s Outdoor Challenge are part of AWARE’s activities to celebrate International Women’s Day.

Review copies, photographs and excerpts from the book are available on request. Contact Harmin Kaur on  6779-7137 or email This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it  
 
BACKGROUND

About the Launch of “Small Steps, Giant Leaps: A History of AWARE and the Women’s Movement in Singapore” 
 
Venue: East Coast Parkway(F2 Carpark)
Date: Saturday, March 17th 2007
Time: 4 pm
RSVP: By March 15th to Harmin Kaur by phone at 67797137 or via email : This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it  
 
About the Women’s Outdoor Challenge
The Women's Outdoor Challenge is an event designed to promote women's fitness and outdoor sports.
This unique charity fund raiser, held in conjunction with International Women’s Day, will be held by the beach at East Coast Parkway.
The Challenge comprises an Individual Event and a Team Event.
The Individual Event features two runs:
• 5 km Run
• 8 km Run
For the Team Event, teams of 7 - 15 persons (mixed teams allowed subject to conditions) compete against each other in either:
• Combat Laser OR
• Ultimate Frisbee

About AWARE
AWARE's mission is to promote a society that provides optimal opportunities for women and men to realise their highest potential. AWARE believes that gender stereotypes and discrimination benefits neither women nor men, and that gender equity is a necessary component of healthy families and societies. Formed in 1985, AWARE is the leading women's advocacy group in Singapore. AWARE's strengths lie in identifying social issues that adversely affect women and families, and in researching the causes and possible solutions of these issues.

For those who are currently in need, AWARE's direct services help over 2500 women each year. AWARE also has an education arm that provides training on diverse issues such as self-esteem, sexuality, gender stereotypes and assertiveness. AWARE is supported by a large group of committed, passionate volunteers.