MENU

MENU

Donate Now
Login

Author: Site Administration

home

Ramadan Talks on Gender in Islam

gender symbols

AWARE is organising a 3-Part Ramadan talk on Gender in Islam, and first session is on 4 July.

We will be holding a series of presentations and discussions about the works of prominent Islamic scholars and their views on gender in Islam.

Session 1: Malay Ideas on Women by Dr Azhar Ibrahim (Senior Visiting Fellow, NUS)

Throughout Malay intellectual history, there were several strands of thinking pertaining to gender and women’s role within the socio-cultural, political and religious spheres of the Malays. This presentation will highlight some of these thinking through early proponents of the modern era, such as Syed Sheikh al-Hadi, to later thinkers such as Hamka, Khadijah Sidek and the prominent Muslim feminist group, Sisters in Islam.

Friday, 4 July 2014
AWARE Centre
6.30pm to 9.30pm
Register for Session 1 here!

Session 2: Muslim Personal Law and Citizens’ Rights: The Case of Singapore
by A/P Noor Aisha Abdul Rahman (Head, Dept of Malay Studies, NUS)

Prevailing discourse on multiculturalism tend to focus on its merits in protecting the cultures and traditions of minority groups within the framework of the politics of accommodation. Less discussed are its implications on the rights and autonomy of members of the groups themselves who may be adversely affected by the arrangement. This presentation will focus on the problems arising from autonomy granted to the Muslim community of Singapore to determine its personal law, on some segments of the community, particularly in the arena of the Muslim law on marriage, divorce and inheritance.

Friday, 11 July 2014
AWARE Centre
6.30pm to 9.30pm
Register for Session 2 here!

Session 3: Challenging Patriarchy: Early Reformist Responses
by Mohamed Imran (Associate Research Fellow, NTU)

Feminism and the struggle against patriarchy is not a new phenomenon in Muslim society. This presentation will trace some of the early ideas on feminism to the Egyptian context of Islamic reform in the late 19th and early 20th century. In particular, the ideas of seminal figures such as Rifa’ah al-Tahtawi, Muhammad ‘Abduh and Qasim Amin will be discussed.

Friday, 18 July 2014
AWARE Centre
6.30pm to 9.30pm
Register for Session 3 here!

Individual price: $8 for 1 person/session
Pair price: $14 for 2 persons/session
Price includes cost of catered food.
Prayer space is provided.

Support gender equality at our Crystal Ball

small size logo2Mark your calendars for AWARE’s annual fundraiser, the Crystal Ball 2014!

Join us for a night of great company, delicious food and fun entertainment for a good cause! See who will win this year’s gender equality awards, or which instance of sexism is voted the most deserving of our tongue-in-cheek ALAMAK! Award.

Hosted by the vivacious Pam Oei and talented singer/actor Benjamin Kheng, the evening promises to be an exciting and inspiring night!

Date: Monday, 25 August 2014
Venue: Regent Hotel
Time: Registration begins at 7 pm
Tickets: $2600 per table of ten, and $260 per person
Dress code: Cocktail attire – Shimmer!

This year, we are also proud to feature The Sam Willows, currently one of Singapore’s hottest and most exciting bands, and the parody troupe The Chesnuts!

How can you contribute?

We always appreciate all your support.

  1. Be a corporate sponsor. We offer many attractive sponsorship packages, starting at $5,000. Visit our website or contact Jes at 6779 7137 for more details.
  2. Buy a table ($2600 per table) or seats ($260 per seat) to attend the Ball.
  3. If you are unable to attend the dinner but will like to support us with a donation, click here. No gift is too small, and there has never been a better time to support AWARE, where every dollar of your donation is matched by the government under the Care & Share programme.

For more details, please visit the Crystal Ball website.

We hope to see you there!

Who should win the AWARE Awards 2014?

Our two annual awards are back – the AWARE Award honouring those who contribute to gender equality, and the ALAMAK Award, given to those who do the opposite. And we want your nominations!

Gender equality awards

Print

Do you know anyone who has contributed significantly to gender equality in Singapore? Nominate them for the AWARE Award 2014! Since 2011, AWARE has been celebrating those who further gender equality with the AWARE Awards, in categories such as AWARE Heroine, Corporation of the Year or Cause of the Year. The winners this year will be announced at our fundraising gala, the Crystal Ball, on 25 August. Click here to see the winners of 2013.

Fill this short form to nominate people or organisations who you think deserve the AWARE Award 2014! You can read FAQs and eligibility criteria here. Nominations will close at the end of June.

ALAMAK!

Although we are well into the 21st century, there are still remarks, commercials and policies that perpetuate gender stereotypes and sexist attitudes. So we created the Alamak! Award, an annual search for the most annoying, you-have-got-to-be-kidding-me instances of sexism in Singapore. Did you witness a jaw-dropping instance of sexism over the last year? Nominate it for this year’s ALAMAK Award.

Click here to send us your nomination.

Care centre for sexual assault survivors opens

sacc logo for post

Today, AWARE is proud to launch the Sexual Assault Care Centre (SACC), Singapore’s first specialised drop-in centre supporting women who have been sexually assaulted.

Popular F&B outlets including Artistry and the restaurant and microbrewery, Brewerkz, will help to spread the word about SACC – getting the message out to women that help is at hand.

Since 2011, AWARE’s Sexual Assault Befrienders Service (SABS) has provided advice, assistance, legal and therapeutic counselling to victims of sexual assault.  SABS also provides specially trained Befrienders who accompany clients through the medical, legal and judicial processes of reporting sexual assault. In 2013, SABS received 192 calls and emails from women looking for help, an increase from 132 in 2012. In more than 80 per cent of the cases in 2013, the perpetrator was known to the victim.

From 26 May, SABS will be replaced by the Sexual Assault Care Centre to better meet the needs of victims for immediate and holistic support. SACC will broaden the suite of services offered in two key ways:

  1. A new drop-in centre at the AWARE centre will provide a safe space where victims can immediately consult an on-site social worker and receive counselling, without any prior appointment.
  2. Extended hours for the SACC helpline: The dedicated SACC helpline (6779 0282) will operate extended hours – running from 10am to midnight, instead of closing at 9.30pm.  Members of the public can also seek assistance at sacc@aware.org.sg.

Over the next year, AWARE will refurbish an unused room in the AWARE Centre to create a safe and comfortable space where clients can receive assistance and access resources on sexual assault. Design consultant Sio Lim from Slim Studio has kindly agreed to design this space pro bono.

Globally, sexual assault remains one of the most under-reported crimes. “Victims often find it hard to speak up even to friends and family, let alone report to police,” said Corinna Lim, Executive Director of AWARE. “They fear blame, disbelief or lengthy and complicated legal procedures. It is crucial for their recovery that they have access to the informed and non-judgmental support which a specialised service can provide.”

“SABS is a much needed service in Singapore,” says Udhia Kumar, a social worker who works with women who have experienced violence in their lives. “With this upgrade to SACC, victims will be better able to get the specialised help and resources they need without being blamed or pressured in any way.”

Women who have used the SABS service have found it very helpful. “When no one was there for me and no one trusted me, I found AWARE where I felt listened to and believed, and found the courage to take action,” said one client, who faced sexual harassment online for months and approached AWARE for legal advice and its befriender service.

SACC sticker small filesizeAWARE will be working with restaurants and bars to spread the simple message that help is available for victims of sexual assault.  Brewerkz has agreed to place 20 colourful, eye-grabbing SACC stickers (see Annex A below) in the bathrooms of its Clarke Quay location, and Artistry will do the same in its café at Kampong Glam. The stickers will include the helpline number and email address of SACC, reaching women in a safe space where they can take the details down.

“We’re proud to support the Sexual Assault Care Centre,” said Adora Sarah Chou, Senior Marketing Representative at Brewerkz. “The safety of our customers is a priority for us, and we are happy we can provide them with critical information they might need for themselves or for a friend.”

“Supporting the community we work in is a key value of Artistry,” said Prashant Somosundram, Partner at Artistry. “The services provided by SACC can be very helpful for our many female customers, and we are glad we can help spread the word.”

We Can! campaign launches Youth Year

we can logoYouth is the We Can! End All Violence Against Women campaign’s special focus in 2014.

This year, we hope to get a large number of youth involved in taking a stand against gender-based violence in their everyday lives, and reach out to as many youth Change Makers – young people committed to making positive change in their communities – as possible!

If you are as excited about this as we are, come to SHATTER, our flagship We Can! Youth event this coming June! Come celebrate individuality and the freedom to be you. SHATTER will feature local artists, performers and youth who are sharing personal stories of how gender stereotypes, stigma and violence affect their lives. They’re speaking up, taking a stand, breaking the box! Whoever you are, if you’re coming, come as yourself.

Date: 7 June 2014
Time: 3.00pm – 8.00pm
Venue: *SCAPE
Invite your friends on Facebook!

shatter-1024x724

Come hear 21-year old violence survivor Nicole Laurens share her incredible story of dealing with an abusive relationship in her teenage years, with little support from her social circle. She is speaking up now to encourage others to recognise abuse, even if it’s not physical, and to take a stand for themselves.

Aarti Olivia Dubey, body-positive fashion blogger at Curves Become Her, will also take the stage, speaking about her experiences, in her younger years, of extreme body shaming and about her promise to stop hating her body. “We need to celebrate our uniqueness and differences instead of aspiring to fit into cookie- cutter moulds,” says Aarti.

Vanessa Yapp will discuss cyber harassment through the stories of friends who were relentlessly slut-shamed online. Other speakers will address society’s narrow notions of masculinity as well as bullying in schools in Singapore.

Art too can play a role in addressing gender violence. SHATTER will feature performances by local artists and groups such as Shoes Theatre, presenting an interactive theatre programme challenging the idea that ‘boys will be boys’; Illi Syaznie, a singer-songwriter questioning judgement based on gender expression; and Three People, performing a skit on gender-based violence.

Attendees can engage in community art at our activity booths and learn about gender-related campaigns in Singapore, such as UN Women and SlutWalk. Come make your own t-shirt with an empowering slogan, or define gender creatively at our photo booth (comes with props)!

Join us at SHATTER to help build a culture supportive of fluid, individual interpretations and expressions of gender.

Talks: Family Law and You: Divorce Process and Procedure

SCWOlogoJoin this talk at the Singapore Council of Women’s Organisations to understand divorce processes in Singapore.

The divorce process in Singapore comprises of 2 stages. At the first stage, the courts will dissolve the marriage. At the second stage, the courts will turn their attention to all other matters relating to the divorce. This talk focuses on the 2nd stage of the divorce process.

These matters in the second stage, the “ancillary matters”, include: – (i) Custody, care and control and access of children; (ii) Maintenance of children; (iii) Division of matrimonial assets and the matrimonial home; and (iv) Maintenance of Wife (commonly known as “Alimony”). 

Event details: 
Date: 23 April, Wednesday
Time: 7 – 8.30pm
Venue: Training rooms 2 and 3, SCWO Centre, 96 Waterloo Street, Singapore 187967
Fee: Complimentary
Click here to register!

Topics that will be covered include:

Custody, care and control and access

  • Joint custody or sole custody?
  • What are access orders?
  • What will the Court take into account when making custody, care and control and access orders?

Maintenance (Child’s maintenance)

  • Who has a duty to maintain the child?
  • What will the Court take into account when assessing maintenance?
  • How long do I have to maintain my child?
  • Can I withhold access if my spouse has refused, neglected and failed to pay maintenance for the child?

About the Speaker

Tan Poh Lin, Partner, Matrimonial & Family Law, Harry Elias Partnership LLP, has over seven years of experience in areas of matrimonial and family law.

Her clients seek her out for advice on issues such as contentious divorces, child custody, division of matrimonial assets and family violence. In her years of practice, she has represented various families, including both locals and expatriates, in both the Family Court and the High Court of Singapore.

As a member of the Executive Committee of the Singapore Association of Women Lawyers (SAWL), Poh Lin has represented SAWL actively by appearing on FM 93.8 on multiple live talk shows where she shares her expertise on topics such as divorce proceedings, family and children-related issues. In addition, Poh Lin has also given talks on family law to various parent support groups in secondary schools as well as counsellors and social workers at Family Service Centres. She also volunteers at the Singapore Institute of Legal Education as a tutor for Family Law.

Poh Lin was called to the Singapore Bar in 2005.

Be A Gender Advocate!

Learn to create win-win situations with those you love in our Negotiation Skills Workshop! The We Can! Campaign in collaboration with Gender Equality IS Our Culture invites all Change Makers to this two-part workshop. On April 3rd and April 15th learn how to negotiate real conflicts in your household.

Description

As a Change Maker, you have the passion and desire to challenge gender stereotypes and break down cultural gender norms. You can post fb statuses, write blog entries and even talk to your friends about your perspectives. When it comes to negotiating situations with your own loved ones, you often hit roadblocks.

It can be difficult to effectively talk to those in your household, especially when culture is used as a justification for the boundaries that they set and the opinions that they hold. This can often lead to exhaustive conversations and the weakening of relationships. The project Gender Equality IS Our Culture works to strengthen the capacity of gender advocates by reclaiming culture as gender equitable.

The Negotiation Skills Workshop will equip Change Makers with the tools they need to better understand power dynamics, identify barriers to communication and strategically remove them to improve their household relationships.

Workshop Details:
Session 1
April 3rd, 2014
AWARE Centre
7:30-9:30pm

Session 2
April 15th, 2014
AWARE Centre
7:30-9:30pm

Participants need to attend both sessions.

Disclaimer: Due to the interest of people with diverse backgrounds in our workshop, we have modified the title to be more reflective of the participants. The negotiation skills learned in the workshop are applicable to any context beyond the household, as well. Please contact Sahar Pirzada at publiceducation@aware.org.sg for more information.

gender

Click here to register!

AWARE AGM 2014: Election Year

1votecheckpencilAWARE’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) is coming up on 26 April, and 2014 is an election year for the AWARE Board.

We invite all AWARE members to the AGM. Hear what AWARE has been working on for the past year, ask your questions, elect the new AWARE Board (2014-2016) and help us decide the direction of the organisation for the next year.

Event details:
Date: 26 April, Saturday
Time: 2pm
Location: AWARE Centre

Click here to register!

This event is open only to AWARE members. Existing members can renew their memberships any time by logging into their account. Applications for new memberships are now closed!

AWARE Board
Are you interested in taking the lead to advance the cause of gender equality in Singapore? If you have been an Ordinary AWARE member for at least two years, you are eligible for election to the AWARE Board! Board members will serve a term of two years starting immediately after the meeting.

Interested applicants must complete and return the nomination form (will be released soon) to the AWARE Elections Committee by 29 March, 5pm. The positions available are: President, 1st Vice-President, 2nd Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Vice Treasurer and three Ordinary Board Members.

Please contact Pat at pat.tay@aware.org.sg if you have any questions about the election process, the AGM, or if you would like a copy of the AWARE Constitution or bye-laws.

Please register here to confirm your attendance at the AGM. See you there!

EVENT DETAILS

When: April 26, Saturday, 2pm
Where: AWARE Centre, Block 5 Dover Crescent, #01-22 S(130005)

This event is open to members only.

Come for our Books, Bakes & Bazaar!

macaroonsOur annual Book & Bake Sale is on 12 April, and this year, we’ve added a flea market! Come browse through hundreds of pre-loved books, munch on yummy baked goods, and uncover treasures at the flea stalls.

Event details:
Date: 12 April, Saturday
Time: 11am – 5pm
Location: AWARE Centre, 5 Dover Crescent, #01-22

Baked goods

There will be macaroons, brownies, cheesecakes and much more on sale! We even have gluten-free and eggless options. All these treats are baked by our awesome volunteers and will be very reasonably priced!

(We always welcome more cakes, cookies and other yummy bakes. If you can donate baked goods for the sale, please contact Jes at fundraising@aware.org.sg.)

Books

bo0ksWe’ve already collected a wide variety of books, from literary classics and bestsellers to cookbooks! Find someone’s pre-loved treasures to take home with you. With books going for as little as $1, you’re certain to find something to love!

If you have books to give away, please donate them to us for this sale. For every book in good condition that you donate, you will get 1 ‘AWARE dollar’. Collect AWARE dollars and use them to pay for books (up to 30% of the cost of the book). You can drop books at the AWARE Centre until 1 April, Monday-Friday, 11am-5pm.

Flea market

For the first time, our book and bake sale will also have a flea market! Come look for cool secondhand goods to make your own, be it clothes, jewellery or other hidden treasures. The folks from the Really Really Free Market will be there to share things and skills for free!

If you can volunteer to help us for this sale, please let us know through this form.

With so much on sale, who knows what you might find! Do join us at the AWARE Centre on 12 April! All proceeds will go towards the running costs of the AWARE Centre.