To upgrade AWARE’s various phone lines, we are conducting a system migration on Wednesday, 25 May 2022 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. During this period, the AWARE main line (6779 7137) and the Sexual Assault Care Centre Helpline (6779 0282) will be inactive.
Both our Women’s Helpline (1800 777 5555) and our Workplace Harassment and Discrimination Advisory Helpline (6777 0318) will remain fully operational during that time. All our phone lines will resume operations on Thursday, 26 May 2022 from 10 a.m. onward.
Please consider these other resources if you need assistance during this time:
Call the National Anti-Violence Helpline at 1800 777 0000. They operate 24/7 and will be able to provide support for any violence you are facing.
For emergencies, please call 999 for the police.
Call 1767 for the Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) if you have thoughts of hurting yourself, including thoughts of suicide.
We seek your kind understanding and patience during this period.
We are no longer accepting applicants for this role.
AWARE has grown significantly in the last decade from six staff members to a 40-person organisation. The Senior Manager, Development and Partnerships will enhance AWARE’s strategic growth, operational sustainability and impact as Singapore enters an exciting new phase, with the government seeking to establish gender equality as a core value of society.
Position: Senior Manager, Development and Partnerships Commitment: Full-time, Monday-Friday, 40 hours a week (Permanent position) Salary range: $5,200 – $6,200 Starting date: Immediate
Job Description
The Senior Manager of Development and Partnerships will be responsible for increasing and diversifying revenue by strengthening existing fundraising activities and building new revenue generation programmes in support of AWARE’s overall strategic plan. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced leader in fundraising, client and/or business development who is committed to social justice and is looking for a concrete way to contribute to society in Singapore.
The ideal candidate will be an excellent communicator, a skilled relationship builder and a results-oriented leader. The person will be a inspiring team leader and an organised hands-on collaborator who gets things done.
Key Responsibilities
Build a strong case for AWARE by positioning AWARE as a unique and powerful agent for positive change in Singapore
Develop and implement a successful annual and multi-year fundraising plan, with customised strategies to cultivate, solicit and steward new and existing donors.
Oversee all fundraising budgets and programmes, including KPI development, database management, tracking, monitoring, and reporting; ensure course correction of targets as required.
Lead development and management of fundraising events, such as the AWARE Ball, donor cultivation and recognition events.
Ensure quality donor proposals and reporting, working with internal AWARE departments to source the required information.
Manage and expand peer-to-peer fundraising and digital marketing to engage, rally support and access networks of influential individuals, leaders, and private social circles.
Manage staff and volunteers.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of charitable giving and fundraising policies and guidelines, as well as sector standards and best practices.
Requirements
Minimum 8 years total professional experience with at least 5 years relevant experience in fundraising, client management or business development.
Good track record with partners, foundations and individual donors in the non-profit sector, or successful complex individual selling-related experience in the commercial sector. Experienced and connected in Singapore.
Collaborative, energetic, self-motivated, and engaging with strong multi-tasking skills and sound judgment who can effectively and diplomatically work with diverse groups of donors, colleagues, volunteers, members and other constituents.
Demonstrated commitment to measuring outcomes and thriving within a results-oriented culture. Effective organisational skills and good orientation to information systems, data management and procedures. Able to manage and develop a small team and budget.
Superior interpersonal, verbal, written and presentation skills and the ability to collaborate and build alliances.
A high degree of customer service orientation, personal motivation and commitment to values that support AWARE’s mission and vision.
Positive, forward-thinking and technologically savvy, using innovative tools and technologies to support fundraising programmes, target communications and further engage donor audiences to support the work of AWARE. Ideally experienced in the interplay of digital marketing with fundraising, and leveraging volunteer engagement into revenue generating opportunities.
A university degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
You must read and acknowledge our Privacy Statement here.
Please note that due to the large number of applications, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for an interview. If you have any questions about this position, please email ed@aware.org.sg.
Written by Varsha Sivaram, Projects Executive, AWARE
On Thursday, 21 April 2022, around 40 attendees tuned in to the virtual panel “Trolls in Your Backyard: Helping our children stay safe from cyberbullying”.
Moderated by AWARE Executive Director Corinna Lim, the panel featured speakers Dr. Anuradha Rao, founder of CyberCognizanz; Tan Joo Hymn, Project Director for AWARE’s Birds & Bees programme; Joanne Wong, Head of TOUCH Cyber Wellness; and parent Kevin Teo.
The focus on cyberbullying was a timely one: not only due to the steep increase in kids’ screen time during the COVID-19 pandemic, but also the relative lack of public attention given to the topic, as compared to other forms of online harms.
Anuradha opened the discussion with a definition of cyberbullying as bullying that takes place via digital devices and on digital platforms like social media. “As long as it is repetitive and personalised, and the intent is to harm, it’s cyberbullying,” she added.
Conversely, cyber wellness, according to the Ministry of Education (MOE) curriculum, encompasses ensuring one’s personal well-being and safety in digital spaces, maintaining a positive online presence and finding a balance between online and offline activities.
The panel covered tips for cultivating cyber wellness at home and how parents can set kids up to process and unpack the more troubling aspects of online culture.
Here are three key takeaways.
1. Establish a culture of communication about cyber safety
In one of her questions to the panel, Corinna asked about the speakers’ own approaches to helping their kids with cyber safety.
Anuradha said it is crucial to start the conversation on cyber wellness early in your children’s life, so that it becomes normalised later. “Make them realise that […] their value shouldn’t be attached to their social media presence, or their value shouldn’t be attached to the way people talk about them,” she said. She suggested that parents play games with their kids, or watch the same media as them, in order to provide useful guidance without being overbearing or preachy.
Kevin added that his approach was to “create the space and opportunity for dialogue” about bullying, particularly during mealtimes or rides to school. He shared that rather than broaching the topic in a more officious or “technical” manner—e.g. by straight-up asking “What do you know about cyberbullying?”—he attempts to approach it casually, e.g. by asking questions based on anecdotes and inviting reflection. For instance, if an incident of cyberbullying came up in conversation, he would ask, “Why do you think [the bully] behaved or acted in this way?”
Joanne stated that while it might be hard for parents to stay ahead of what kids are up to online at all times, they can still teach their kids about safety measures early—for example, recognising when to opt out and disengage from an online conversation.
“If you are not ready to see these comments, turn it off… Just distance yourself for a while,” she said, referring to the ability to turn off comments on social media platforms like TikTok.
2. Respect kids’ autonomy and privacy
Corinna also noted that a strategy some parents employ is closely monitoring their kids’ online activity. With that in mind, she posed a question to the panel: What’s the line between oversight and privacy?
Anuradha said the line varies from parent to parent and child to child. She added that more oversight may be acceptable when the child is younger—i.e. below 12 years old—but that once kids hit their teens, it’s about having conversations. On the personal front, Anuradha reflected that her daughter asks her for trust when it comes to digital activity, and that she is happy to give her that trust, once Anuradha has done her part as a parent by providing her with the right protocol and values.
However, she also pointed out that a more hands-off approach does not necessarily mean a lack of rules altogether. The ideal mix would be a combination of freedom and supervision.
3. Spot the red flags
Corinna asked the panel if there were any signs one can observe when it comes to identifying both perpetrators and victims of cyberbullying.
Joo Hymn suggested that bullies tend to have feelings of entitlement regarding other people’s good feelings—e.g. expecting to be praised—and that the first step to counter these feelings of entitlement in kids is to identify them: “teaching them to be empathetic, to be more aware of their feelings”.
She added that parents too should be more alert to the fact that their kids could be bullies, and that they should keep an eye on whether they’re exhibiting such feelings of entitlement.
As for identifying victims, Joanne said that kids usually approach friends first, rather than an adult, when they experience online harms. “They are afraid [that] their digital device privileges will be taken away,” she said, referring to parents who think that simply removing their kids’ access to social media will solve the problem of cyberbullying.
In order to manage those fears, Joanne said parents have to meet kids halfway, to understand these digital social environments, and remind them that cyberbullying isn’t the norm.
Joo Hymn added that she waits for her daughter to handle any situations of cyberbullying herself before stepping in, so as to afford the child her own privacy, time and space, and “signal that I trust [her]”. Instead of intervening with a heavy hand, Joo Hymn added, parents could ask their kids if they want help in the first place—or merely a listening ear.
During the audience Q&A, attendees asked about topics ranging from first-responder training for students, to the kinds of resources available for parents regarding cyberbullying.
Joanne said that while there is a cyber wellness curriculum in schools at the moment—which includes training on empathy, discouraging kids from shaming their peers who come to them after being cyberbullied—the peer-support aspect of the curriculum is not particularly extensive. Joo Hymn brought up another potential issue: the fact that some students might not trust their school counsellor or school to sensitively handle a bullying situation.
As for resources, Anuradha mentioned AWARE’s Birds & Bees curriculum as well as the services she provides with CyberCognizanz, including family consultations on cyber safety. Joanne also suggested that parents can reach out to their children’s schools, or seek out online resources like Touch Parenting.
This letter was originally published in The Straits Times on 11 May 2022.
We echo Mr Lee Teck Chuan’s call for the institutionalisation of a framework to safeguard the interests of gig workers (Give gig economy workers here due recognition, May 5). He accurately highlighted these workers’ vulnerability due to their current lack of employment protections and benefits.
It is encouraging that the Government has strengthened its efforts to support gig workers in recent years.
However, the root of their vulnerability remains unresolved: that is, the lack of labour protections and benefits for this group of workers, such as paid leave and medical benefits.
Since all gig workers are considered independent contractors under existing laws, the statutory employment benefits and protections stipulated by the Employment Act do not extend to them.
The work of self-employed workers is freelance in nature, but they do not have full autonomy over it. This is instead often determined by the platform they work for.
To address this, the Association of Women for Action and Research reiterates our recommendation to develop a new framework for gig workers currently not covered under the Employment Act. This framework should clearly distinguish between independent workers (like entrepreneurs who enter business relationships) and dependent workers (not employees, but still economically dependent on the company they work for). It should also stipulate their rights and benefits to minimise their precariousness.
This has already been implemented in other countries such as Britain, where working individuals are categorised as one of the following: self-employed, workers and employees. An example under the “worker” category would be Uber drivers, who are legally entitled to benefits and protection, including a statutory minimum level of paid holiday and limits on weekly work hours.
In Australia, such workers are also legally recognised as their own category within the labour force, with clearly defined rights and obligations.
As the number of gig workers in Singapore grows, we can look to these countries to establish a similar framework and better protect such workers.
This post was originally published as a press release on 11 May 2022.
Securing permanent housing, keeping gainfully employed and improving interpersonal relationships: Having access to safe, secure housing for six months or more enables single mothers and their children to do all the above.
This was the key conclusion from gender-equality organisation AWARE’s Support, Housing and Enablement (S.H.E.) Project, a research-based service that between 2018 and 2021 provided stable and decent housing, alongside transformational support programmes, for low-income single-mother families. AWARE today released the report “Why Stable Housing Matters: Outcomes of the S.H.E. Project for Single-Mother Families”, detailing these families’ experiences as well as recommendations to improve the lot of single mothers in Singapore.
AWARE managed four apartments, a mix of condominiums and public housing, for a total of 18 mothers and 21 children over the duration of the S.H.E. Project. The apartments were sponsored by a donor who had learnt about single parents’ housing challenges from a 2016 AWARE study on the issue. Of the 18 families, AWARE conducted quarterly interviews with the 12 whose stay spanned six months or longer, tracking progress in housing access, employment, family well-being and other areas. These 12 mothers ranged from 18 to 48 years in age. Five were separated, two divorced and five had never been married. Prior to living at the S.H.E. Project, all of them had experienced domestic violence.
Over the course of their time at the S.H.E. Project, 8 out of 12 mothers saw improvements in their employment situations and income, with median monthly income rising from $500 before they entered S.H.E. to $1,150 when the Project concluded. Notably, the security of having a stable residence afforded three mothers the leeway to quit jobs at which they had experienced poor work conditions. Residents also expressed feeling safer and happier, and enjoying better relationships with their families of origin.
“This report tells a hopeful story, one that is particularly timely in the week between Mother’s Day and International Day of Families,” said Corinna Lim, AWARE’s Executive Director. “We know now that stable housing does make a tangible difference to so many other aspects of a family’s life. Yet while we celebrate the progress made by the S.H.E. Project families, we recognise that they—and many other single-parent families across Singapore—continue to face varied obstacles to their security and quality of life.
“For example, the experience of our younger mothers tells us that unwed underage parents are particularly vulnerable, not qualifying for public rental housing due to the minimum age of 21. It’s often assumed that these mothers can stay with family or relatives, but that does not take into account strained relationships or abusive situations.”
Accordingly, the report explored the challenges that the mothers faced in three key areas: housing, divorce and employment. AWARE’s housing-related recommendations for the government included: creating a Housing Development Board (HDB) unit to coordinate services for families transitioning to single-parent households; allowing divorced single parents to receive HDB loans and levy waivers; and taking tense or abusive family relationships into account when assessing applicants’ housing options. AWARE also proposed a government programme that could, like the S.H.E. Project, provide housing and support services for unwed mothers and family violence victims for at least two years.
Of the 12 mothers in the study, six were undergoing legal proceedings for divorce-, custody- or maintenance-related matters, but only two had managed to wrap up their proceedings by the close of the S.H.E. Project. To streamline these gruelling processes, AWARE recommended expanding eligibility criteria for Assistance Scheme for Second-Timers (ASSIST) and Parenthood Provisional Housing Scheme (PPHS) to include single parents with interim judgement of divorce, and including Registrar’s Empowerment Clauses in all court orders relating to the sale and transfer of matrimonial assets.
“We were struggling in silence, not being able to submit applications because my matrimonial home was not sold yet,” said Radiah (not her real name), 37, a S.H.E. Project resident. “Delays from my ex-spouse made it even worse. It’s hard enough to adjust to a new life after divorce and single-handedly raise kids. My son begged me to quickly get our own place because having to live in my mother’s home was too stressful. Please do not exclude us from housing schemes. I support the recommendations in the report.”
“Single mothers do get help, but it takes a lot of processes, procedures and paperwork, and it can be tedious and troublesome,” noted Farah (not her real name), 22, another resident. “If another housing and service programme like S.H.E. was established, underage unwed mothers would feel more supported and have time to upgrade themselves, get jobs and care for their children. Usually we have no place to go and no one to turn to.”
“We are so proud to have journeyed with the S.H.E. Project families, who worked diligently on their goals and persevered in the face of hardships—including the Covid-19 pandemic, which threw their already tenuous situations into financial shock,” said Elizabeth Quek, who served as the house mother in charge of the S.H.E. Project apartments. “I was surprised at the sheer strength of their motivation. In my 16 years as a social worker, I have never seen individuals turn their lives around as quickly and consistently as the S.H.E. residents.”
Read “Why Stable Housing Matters” here, and the Executive Summary here.
AWARE’s CARE Department is looking for a Volunteer Coordinator to oversee and manage the volunteers who assist our helplines, legal clinics and counselling services. This role will see you providing support in volunteer recruitment, retention and recognition. We’re looking for a people person who loves empowering and inspiring others to contribute meaningfully and grow in the process.
Position: CARE Volunteer Coordinator Department: CARE Commitment: Part-time (12-month term, contract basis) Salary: $1,500 – $1,600 Schedule: Approximately 80 hours per month; 20 hours per week, 4 hours per day (Monday to Friday) on a mutually agreed schedule Starting date: Immediate
Job Description:
Conduct recruitment for new and replacement positions, including organising and conducting interviews in conjunction with the programme coordinator/staff.
Onboard new joiners through orientation plan and liaising with various stakeholders for relevant contracts, account creation, membership and data management.
Monitor and review internal and training programmes along with the programme coordinator/staff.
Support payment submissions, tracking on-going commitment levels, monitor expiry of contracts, etc.
Lead engagement and appreciation/retention initiatives, including sending newsletters/updates, conducting surveys and analysing feedback, planning and facilitating team meetings, organising supervisions, volunteer parties/get-togethers, etc.
Evaluate engagement processes within CARE and find opportunities for improvement.
Provide operational support to HOD in staff engagement, training, self-care initiatives, and ad-hoc projects.
Monitor and process engagement renewals prior to contracts expiry.
Project-manage self-care initiatives for CARE team members.
Requirements:
Minimum 2 years’ experience in volunteer management, recruitment, human resources, or in a relevant role
Experience in providing administrative and operational support
Experience in social service industry is advantageous
Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office and G Suite
Able to use initiative and judgement to solve problems independently
Strong belief in gender equality and the values of AWARE
Able to meet deadlines in a high-paced environment while balancing workload and competing priorities
Able to main strict confidentiality of sensitive information
Excellent interpersonal, empathy and communication skills in English (verbal and written)
Strong organisational skills
You must read and acknowledge our Privacy Statement here.
Please note that due to the large number of applications, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for an interview. If you have any questions about this position, please email careers@aware.org.sg.
We are no longer accepting applicants for this role.
AWARE’s Secretariat department is looking for an Administrative Assistant who will provide administrative support to the various functions of the Secretariat team.
Position: Administrative Assistant
Department: Secretariat Commitment: Permanent, Full Time Salary range: SGD$2,900 – 3,600 Starting Date: Immediate
Job Description:
To provide administrative support to Secretariat Team for AWARE in the following areas:
1. Fundraising function support
Maintain and update AWARE’s donation, volunteer and membership databases, prepare regular and ad-hoc reports, issue receipts, submit reports to IRAS and for import into our accounts system.
2. Office administration support
Respond to phone calls and emails; distribute emails and mail received by AWARE; assist with ensuring effective housekeeping, office supply management and facilities maintenance of AWARE Centre.
3. General
Assist with any other tasks that may be assigned in relation to administrative support for the Secretariat department.
Requirements:
Diploma and minimum 3 years’ experience as an office administrator, office assistant or relevant role or equivalent
Experience in the social service industry is advantageous
Strong interpersonal, empathy and communication skills
Computer-savvy, proficient in Google Workspace and MS Office (Word and Excel)
Familiarity with managing databases is a plus
Able to use initiative and judgment to solve problems independently
Strong belief in gender equality and the values of AWARE
Superb organisational and time management skills
Able to maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive information
You must read and acknowledge our Privacy Statement here.
Please note that due to the large number of applications, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for an interview. If you have any questions about this position, please email careers@aware.org.sg.
“Are you sure that happened? Why didn’t you fight back? You should have known better.” These are some common responses survivors of sexual assault have heard, which may further their feelings of doubt, guilt and shame.
It is not always easy for survivors to tell someone about what happened; in fact, for some survivors, it can be especially daunting. So the way their loved ones respond becomes pivotal in their journey of recovery. First response that is sensitive to a survivor’s needs and choices is necessary in preventing re-victimisation.
This Sexual Assault First Responder Training helps familiarise participants with trauma reactions and symptoms to better contribute to a survivor’s well-being. In this workshop, we will share more on the following:
Definition of sexual assault and harassment
Recognising Singapore’s legal framework
Understanding consent
Understanding the impact of sexual assault and trauma on survivors
Role of a first responder
Providing support to survivors of sexual assault
Resources available for help
Key skills such as ensuring safety, active listening and empathy
Date: Saturday, 25 June 2022
Time: 2 – 5pm
Venue: Please note this workshop will be online only. Participants will be emailed the Zoom link shortly before the session date. As a commitment to this training we will be asking all participants to turn on their video throughout the session.
We want this workshop to be accessible to everyone, and require your generous contribution to keep it running. While you are welcome to give any amount you wish, we suggest a minimum of $30 per person. No tax deduction will be provided. Note that Eventbrite requires a minimum contribution of $1. If you require a waiver of this minimum contribution, please email gec@aware.org.sg.
Note as well that we are unable to accommodate transfers and cancellations if participants are unable to attend after payment has been made.
Persons of all genders and nationalities are more than welcome to attend.
We strongly request that all participants commit to the full duration of the 3-hour workshop (there are breaks!) to ensure that everyone will get the opportunity to engage in interactive discussions and learn useful skills. This includes keeping your video ON and utilising the audio to participate.
“Are you sure that happened? Why didn’t you fight back? You should have known better.” These are some common responses survivors of sexual assault have heard, which may further their feelings of doubt, guilt and shame.
It is not always easy for survivors to tell someone about what happened; in fact, for some survivors, it can be especially daunting. So the way their loved ones respond becomes pivotal in their journey of recovery. First response that is sensitive to a survivor’s needs and choices is necessary in preventing re-victimisation.
This Sexual Assault First Responder Training helps familiarise participants with trauma reactions and symptoms to better contribute to a survivor’s well-being. In this workshop, we will share more on the following:
Definition of sexual assault and harassment
Recognising Singapore’s legal framework
Understanding consent
Understanding the impact of sexual assault and trauma on survivors
Role of a first responder
Providing support to survivors of sexual assault
Resources available for help
Key skills such as ensuring safety, active listening and empathy
Date: Wednesday, 25 May 2022
Time: 4.30-7.30pm
Venue: Please note this workshop will be online only. Participants will be emailed the Zoom link shortly before the session date. As a commitment to this training we will be asking all participants to turn on their video throughout the session.
We want this workshop to be accessible to everyone, and require your generous contribution to keep it running. While you are welcome to give any amount you wish, we suggest a minimum of $30 per person. No tax deduction will be provided. Note that Eventbrite requires a minimum contribution of $1. If you require a waiver of this minimum contribution, please email gec@aware.org.sg.
Note as well that we are unable to accommodate transfers and cancellations if participants are unable to attend after payment has been made.
Persons of all genders and nationalities are more than welcome to attend.
We strongly request that all participants commit to the full duration of the 3-hour workshop (there are breaks!) to ensure that everyone will get the opportunity to engage in interactive discussions and learn useful skills. This includes keeping your video ON and utilising the audio to participate.
