Universal Periodic Review

A loose and informal grouping of local civil society organisation, including AWARE, has made a 10-page submission to the United Nation’s Human Rights Council as part of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process.

This process, launched by the UN in 2006, involves a review of the human rights record of all UN member states once every four years. It provides an opportunity for all States to declare what actions they have taken to improve the human rights situations in their countries and to overcome challenges to the enjoyment of human rights. The review covers the five categories of human rights – civil, political, social, cultural and economic.

Singapore will be up for review in May 2011. After the civil society stakeholders submit their reports, the Government will subsequently issue its report. The materials are then considered by a working group of the Council and points are discussed with the state and other parties, after which a report and recommendations will be made.

The UPR is similar to the CEDAW (Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women) process, except that the UPR deals with all aspects of human rights . AWARE has been involved in the CEDAW process since 2004.

CEDAW is one of several human rights review processes initiated by the UN, with the UPR serving as an over-arching mechanism. The aim of the UPR, says the UN, is to remind states “of their responsibility to fully respect and implement all human rights and fundamental freedoms”.

Women’s rights are, of course, an important part of human rights. Since AWARE is already a participant in the UN human rights process through CEDAW, taking part in the coalition of Singapore NGOs for UPR was a logical next step.

On women’s rights, the UPR submission points out that while progress has been made there remain areas where women in Singapore face discrimination and other obstacles. It notes that Article 12 (2) of Singapore’s Constitution prohibits discrimination on certain grounds but excludes gender.

The recommendations made in the submission on women’s rights include:

• repeal the partial marital rape immunity that remains in force in the Penal Code
• amend Article 12(2) of the Constitution, to bar discrimination on the grounds of gender and sexuality
• implement stronger protections for pregnant women against discriminatory employment practices
• offer citizenship as of right to foreign women who are married to Singaporean men
• update Singapore’s definition of trafficking to conform to international norms
• review the application of inheritance laws to Muslim women.

The first four-year UPR cycle began in 2008. In the follow-up reviews during the second UPR cycle, from 2012 to 2015, the focus will be on the implementation of the recommendations made during the first cycle.

The civil society organisations that made the submission, apart from AWARE, are: Challenged People’s Alliance and Network (CAN!); Deaf and Hard of Hearing Federation; Humanitarian Organization for Migration Economics; MARUAH (Working Group for an ASEAN Human Rights Mechanism, Singapore); People Like Us; Singaporeans for Democracy; and Transient Workers Count Too. MARUAH coordinated the effort

The UPR Report submitted by the civil society organisations can be downloaded from MARUAH’s website at http://maruah.org/

For more information about the UPR: Basic Facts.

Key Documents:

• COSINGO UPR Report
• UPR – Appendices

In The News:

• ST: Human Rights Wishlist
• CNA: Singapore’s human rights under UN scrutiny

What is the UPR?

CNA Report on Press Conference

Gay Alcorn, an editor and a feminist, talks about how feminism has been unable to make a significant impact on how women are perceived by the media. She argues that feminism is more than than just individual success stories, but about “real change in the institutions that actually make a difference”. In this way she sees our society as still sexist and women still exploited by a beauty industry.

The Wheeler Centre

This talk was part of the Wheeler Centre Forum entitle “Feminism Has Failed” – in which speakers argues both for an against the resolution.

The Centre, located in Melbourne, and its website, are dedicated to the discussion and practice of writing and ideas. Through a year-round programme of talks and lectures, readings and debates, and an evolving site featuring video and live blogging, we invite you to join the conversation.

In one of a series of performances, they tossed girdles, bras and tweezers into a “freedom trashcan” – a critique on the ideals that corseted women into narrow definitions of beauty and valued us solely for our looks. The protestors proposed setting the contents of the trashcan ablaze, but were stopped by police.

Journalists covering the story branded the women “bra-burners” and the sensationalist monicker spread like, ahem, wildfire, even though it was completely inaccurate.

For some, even now, it’s easier to crack jokes about people whose viewpoints threaten the status quo than to engage in actual debate. Unfortunately, the nickname – a classic way of caricaturing womens’ liberation activists and triviliasing the seriousness of the issue – stuck. So, dispel the myth next time someone calls you a bra-burner. And if that fails, try telling them to “shut up and sit down”.

Do you have any other trivia about feminism, women or gender? Send your ideas to media@aware.org.sg

Naomi Wolf explains 3rd wave feminism …

Proponents of third-wave feminism claim that it allows women to define feminism for themselves by incorporating their own identities into the belief system of what feminism is and what it can become through one’s own perspective. It can change with every generation and individual… Third-wave feminism seeks to challenge or avoid what it deems the second wave’s “essentialist” definitions of femininity, which often assumed a universal female identity and over-emphasized experiences of upper-middle-class white women. – More: Wikipedia

So are you 2nd or 3rd wave… or maybe 4th!

It was a languid train ride from Melbourne to Sydney. The deep-blue Australian sky promised a beautiful summer holiday. My friend Sarah and I had just made friends with a trio of Australian men and we were all engaged in a jolly conversation.

Then, all three of them had a sharp inhalation of breath. Sarah and I looked towards the source. A girl was walking past in the aisle. Hip-hugging mini-skirt perched atop bronzed legs that went on forever, a sporty tank top and a fresh face that stopped traffic. Looking down at us for two seconds, she breezed away with the nonchalance of someone accustomed to their beauty.

Somehow feeling snubbed, the three men suddenly released a riot of comments. “Who does she think she is, dressed like that?” And so on.

Then this gem from a seemingly-decent man called James: “Just wait, a girl like that will get what she deserves.” I asked what he meant. “I mean, dressed like that, she is just asking to get raped!” The other two men nodded in agreement, lips pursed in knowing.

Sarah and I looked at each other with shock. Through our conversation, we knew that this was a group of university graduates, who were well-traveled and held professional executive to managerial roles. How then, could they utter such obscenely ignorant comments?

A heated argument ensued and, needless to say, we did not keep in touch.

But it made me wonder – “Does a woman’s dressing invite sexual violence from men?”

I put this question to an assortment of male and female friends from Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, Australia, United Kingdom, United States, Norway, and Germany. I got surprisingly mixed responses.

Men in general held the view that women who dressed provocatively, showed a hint of cleavage, or drank too much, or went out late at night were inviting trouble.

Women had a mixed reaction, with Asian women mostly supporting a patriarchal view point that the woman should assume a certain degree, if not all, of the responsibility. A few of them said, “Men cannot help it, it’s in their nature. Women must dress or behave appropriately.”

What a disturbing revelation.

Dear reader, what is your view?

My view is encapsulated in the link below.

I love this ad. I think something like this should be screened on televisions world-wide. Until people get it.

Women do not ask to get raped. Ever.

 
Puberty started off with me being embarrassed of my ever-growing chest developments and a case of very bad acne. Bad posture, baggy clothes and a lot of makeup did little to masquerade and hide what was inevitable. I was becoming a woman, at least physically.

It was not until years later that I discovered the true power of breasts. I could garner attention and get things I wanted by the simple fact that I had them. At the same time, I could garner unwanted attention and find myself in a pickle of a situation.

Knowing that I had this power did little for me as I never wanted to be labeled as one of those girls who used their sexuality to get what they wanted. I wanted to be known for my intellect, humour, wit and other ‘inner’ qualities.

From centuries of old, women have been using their sexuality to get what they want. It could be as simple as avoiding a speeding ticket, getting free drinks at a bar, an extension on a work deadline or a promotion. Many of these women would claim they are empowered through harnessing their sexuality and feminine wiles.

But is it right, moral, justifiable? Is it a feminist power or a feminist killer?

In my 20s, I was very conscious of my body and would wear only slacks and button up shirts to work. I was shy to use anything remotely sexual to get what I wanted in life. I was tough on outside to hide any insecurities that I had on the inside. I wanted to be taken seriously, and looking back, I was. Anything a man could do, I could do and I was out to prove it.

In my 30s, I slowly discovered what I like to call my feminine charm and subsequently softened my apparel. Unlike using one’s sexuality, one’s feminine charm encompassed intellect, humour, wit and many of my inner qualities. It’s a way for me to show the softer side of myself without having to compromise.

Not too long ago, I was in a lunch queue with a co-worker and I had forgotten to put some mustard on my plate. I asked him for some mustard and held out my plate thinking that he would pick up the spoon and drop some mustard on my plate. Instead he grabbed the very large bowl with one hand and offered it my way.

I had a look of amazement on my face as I exclaimed, “Rene, you are so strong. You picked up that big bowl with one hand.” As soon as I said this, he blushed slightly, his shoulders squared and he grew taller. We both started laughing.

I had no ulterior motive when I gave him this compliment but I know it flattered him even it was slightly humorous. People who are flattered often are more willing to give in and I could save my points to be redeemed later.

I use my feminine charm on both men and women of all ages and feel at ease that I am not discriminating. Age and experience have softened my exterior as there is less insecurity to disguise. I do dress more feminine now and am much more comfortable in my own skin.

I am sure that my breasts are being noticed, however they serve more as a backdrop. As for using my sexuality, I retain the use of that for nothing other than getting sex.

So what is feminism about, really?

How do you feel about your breasts? Do they empower you or limit you? Is it okay for women to use their sexuality or femininity in certain situations and not in others? Come to our Gender Matters workshops and learn how fairy tales may have contributed to your sense of self.

By Priyanka Awasthi

If you’re reading this you’re likely to be an AWARE member or someone with an interest in women’s or gender issues. But just what are women’s and gender issues? What is the whole ‘women’s movement’ or ‘feminism’ all about, really?

It is to answer questions such as these that AWARE has put together a crash course on gender sensitization for members and volunteers. Many members have asked for information about feminism and the history of the women’s movement and related matters, so the AWARE Training Institute (ATI) will soon launch the Gender Core Curriculum programme.

The programme, which will cover topics such as the women’s movement, feminism, and awareness of gender issues, aims to stimulate thought and discussion on issues like gender equality, relationships between women and men in family, the workplace and society and the rights and responsibilities of women and men.

ATI will be conducting some test runs of the programme in late February and early March and would like to invite members to sign up for these sessions. Details of how you can sign up are at the bottom of this article.

There will be three parts to the programme:

History of Feminism

Industrialisation brought economic prosperity but it also gave rise to a growing awareness of the inequalities in society based on gender.  Women began to ask “Why are we not allowed to vote?’ and the suffragette movement was born. This part of the programme runs through the key points to date  the fight for women’s rights.

Debunking the Myths

This session offers enlightenment on the myths around feminism. How did these myths or fairy tales come about and get transferred from one generation to the other?  One example, why is it that passive women get the handsome and debonair Prince while the active women are mostly wicked step mothers and witches?

What does a feminist look like?

This is a hands-on workshop that will explore the four tenets of feminism: Woman and Body, Women at Home, Women in the Public Sphere, and Women and Culture.

This workshop will aim to unravel participants’ relationship with the term “feminist” using images, questions and participants’ personal experiences as departure points.  And it will seek to answer three questions:

• What does it mean to be a feminist today in Singapore?
• What are feminist values for you?
• What contributions to the feminist cause can be made today in globalised, economy-driven Singapore?

If you would like to take part in the test runs of the programme or have any questions,please send email to priyanka@aware.org.sg or call 6779-7137.

Priyanka is a Programme Executive with AWARE.

History of Feminism

Industrialisation brought economic prosperity but it also gave rise to a growing awareness of the inequalities in society based on gender.  Women began to ask “Why are we not allowed to vote?’ and the suffragette movement was born. This part of the programme runs through the key points to date  the fight for women’s rights.

Date: 23 Feb 2010

Time: 7-930pm

Venue: Aware Centre, Blk 5 Dover Crescent, #01-22 Singapore 130005

If you would like to take part in the test run of the programme or have any questions,please send email to publiceducation@aware.org.sg or call 6779-7137.

Debunking the Myths

This session offers enlightenment on the myths around feminism. How did these myths or fairy tales come about and get transferred from one generation to the other?  One example, why is it that passive women get the handsome and debonair Prince while the active women are mostly wicked step mothers and witches?

Date: 1 March 2010

Time: 7-930pm

Venue: Aware Centre, Blk 5 Dover Crescent, #01-22 Singapore 130005

If you would like to take part in the test run of the programme or have any questions,please send email to publiceducation@aware.org.sg or call 6779-7137.

Men and women used to have very distinct roles in life.  The man was the head of the household whereas the woman was supposed to be submissive and nurturing.

However, in the 19^th century, feminists began to challenge these views, and women gradually gained rights such as the right to vote. Women’s rights have come a long way since, but close inspection shows that women are still in a less preferable position.

The world is still, to a very large extent, ingrained in patriarchal beliefs and practices. Discrimination against and abuse of women   are, frighteningly, still rife in the developing world. The majority of the millions of poor and illiterate people around the world are female.

Enforced prostitution, female genital mutilation (FGM) and honour killing, which completely strip women and girls of any rights or self-respect, are still rampant in many parts of Africa and Asia.

Amnesty International estimates that over 130 million women worldwide have undergone some form of FGM, whereas another over 2 million are at risk every year.  Poorly educated, or totally uneducated, these women have no way to defend themselves and to break the vicious cycle.

In the developed world, the situation is strikingly better.  But bigotry, albeit less overt, is still a problem.  In Singapore, for example, we have had a number of cases of women being fired or encouraged to leave their jobs because they got pregnant.

In Europe, a fierce controversy raged when German chancellor Angela Merkel was pictured in a political poster in a low-cut gown.  People seemed more concerned about her cleavage than her capabilities as their leader.

There is still a long way to gender equality in society, and all the more so in the developing world. Concrete action is needed to bridge the disparity between the world we have now and the world we desire.