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Women in Singapore: Where we’re at & the future of females

International Women’s Day (IWD) on 8 March is a yearly global event celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. To mark the occasion, we speak to Penelope Shone, New Zealand born 1st Vice President of AWARE, about the role of women in Singapore today, the constant strive for change, the support available, and the future of females.

AWARE (Association of Women for Action and Research) registered in Singapore in 1985. What have been the most significant changes for women since then?
From the very beginning, AWARE has advocated for a wide array of measures to achieve gender equality. For example, AWARE’s research on workplace sexual harassment, and system inadequacies, contributed to the passing of the Protection From Harassment Act (POHA) in 2014. Since then, we’ve continued to campaign and work with various individuals and groups for improvements to POHA, including the criminalisation of harassment, stalking and intimate partner violence.

Other gender equality improvements include, after persistent advocacy by AWARE and other groups, marital rape immunity finally being repealed in 2019 with Singapore’s Criminal Law Reform Bill; as well as increased access to housing being granted to single-parent families in Singapore.

What AWARE campaigns are you most proud of?
I admire the Women’s Helpline, which has been operational since 1991. It has no agenda other than to support women in distress and to help them understand the options available to them. Calls to the helpline have provided AWARE with a great deal of information about specific issues women are struggling with in Singapore, including a range of sexual violence behaviours. The research and advocacy team analyses this data and presents a case to policy-makers and institutions to strengthen laws accordingly. I was also moved by a video the team made for the Aim for Zero campaign, featuring 10 sexual violence survivors recounting their experiences of trauma and recovery. It’s incredibly powerful to watch. (See the video at aimforzero.sg).

Aware_Association of women for action and research
The launch of AWARE back in 1985. Image provided by AWARE

What’s the ‘toughest’ issue for AWARE to tackle?
The perception that the work of AWARE, and feminism itself, is marginal, or incompatible with marriage, motherhood or religious beliefs. I believe that gender equality benefits everyone and everyone should challenge views that don’t give equal opportunity to women, or that encourage women to be passive or serve men. Without active engagement, the gains made by feminists of the past can easily be lost.

How much did the #MeToo Movement impact the lives of women here?
It gave courage to sexual assault and harassment survivors around the world, enabling them to share their experiences. When #MeToo first emerged in the last quarter of 2017, our Sexual Assault Care Centre in Singapore saw a 79% increase in the number of people reaching out to us as compared to the previous quarter.

When, in 2019, NUS student Monica Baey spoke up in public after experiencing sexual voyeurism, many others in Singapore filed their own sexual misconduct complaints and spoke more candidly about their experiences. On the whole, after #MeToo, there has been a growing understanding of the pervasiveness of sexual harassment, an increased ability to recognise it as a crime, and a more general awareness of the need for resources to support those who are involved.

Aware_Association of women for action and research
Above: Scenes from meetings in 1986 and (right) 1987 Below: Constance Singam (second right), the ex President of AWARE. Image provided by AWARE

How much has the pandemic set back AWARE’s great work?
Women are more vulnerable to economic shocks and domestic violence than men, and more likely to bear the burden of unpaid caregiving, so the Covid-19 pandemic has amplified women’s challenges. Many of the industries hardest hit have been professions where we see a significantly higher percentage of women, such as F&B and service industries. Accordingly, many women – who might have already been working part-time in order to balance care responsibilities – found their hours cut or lost their jobs entirely. In 2020, AWARE joined with Beyond Social Services, Cassia Resettlement Team and other organisations to form the Mind the Gap fund, distributing financial assistance and support to a number of low-income households affected by Covid.

What about cases of domestic violence?
We had more calls to our Women’s Helpline about domestic violence during Singapore’s circuit breaker periods, and for the full year of 2020, we received an all-time high of 6,712 calls, and one in four were about abuse and violence. During Covid, we began providing our services remotely. Counselling, legal consultation, case management and befriending support became available through phone or video platforms. We expanded our helpline services to include an additional phone line and an online chat service, recognising that many individuals who are stuck at home with their abusers might not have sufficient privacy to make a call in safety.

Aware_Penelope Shone at fundraising dinner
Penelope Shone (far left) at a fundraising event for AWARE. Image provided by AWARE

What are the most pressing issues for women in Singapore today?
Workplace sexual harassment continues to require attention in Singapore. In January 2021, a national survey we conducted with Ipsos found that two in five workers had experienced some form of workplace sexual harassment in the previous five years. In December 2021, we launched a report titled I Quit. It highlighted how many women who experience harassment end up quitting their jobs, spending months or years out of work, going through extended periods of low productivity and facing other career disruptions. We’ve recommended that the government develop national legislation to deal with the subject of workplace sexual harassment.

Another issue is sexual violence, including technology-facilitated sexual violence. Victim-blaming places the blame for sexual violence on the survivor by implying that she was responsible for preventing her assault, instead of placing the blame on the person truly responsible – the perpetrator. Seven in 10 clients at our Sexual Assault Care Centre ultimately do not report their experiences of sexual violence to authorities, largely due to fears of not being believed, as well as a reluctance to undergo the arduous and lengthy criminal justice process. AWARE has been advocating for the criminal justice system to be made more trauma-informed and empathetic to survivors. We also conduct a workshop called Sexual Assault First Responder Training (SAFRT), which has to date equipped more than 1,000 members of the public with the skills to support survivors of sexual violence without blame or judgement.

What can men do to assist with female inequality issues?
There are many things men can do on an individual, day-to-day level: everything from performing an equal share of the domestic chores in their households and taking their full allotment of paternity leave, to being respectful and caring towards others and sponsoring women into powerful positions. Fathers have a particular role to play in modelling emotional openness and personal responsibility, and in helping their children understand the need for healthy relationships.

How can we better raise our children (of all genders) to be aware of inequalities?
This is a hard one and perhaps the most important of all. Societal norms are ingrained from a young age. Parents are the role models for behaviour and attitudes and they themselves have conscious and unconscious biases about gender roles. They would do well to understand and challenge many of their own assumptions. By educating children from a young age, parents can prevent gender stereotypes and norms from being entrenched and create a more equal division of roles and responsibilities between boys and girls.
Comprehensive sexuality education is another crucial opportunity to foster the values of gender equality, consent and respect, and a healthy attitude towards sex, among youths and adults. Education about real consent is a key concept related to addressing sexual violence.

Aware_Aware meeting discussing women's rights
An early meeting discussing women’s rights at AWARE in Singapore. Image provided by AWARE
How You Can Support AWARE
AWARE welcomes all kinds of support from generous donors, volunteers, members and the wider public. Their ongoing campaign, Hope In The Dark, is aimed at funding the fight against sexual violence in Singapore by galvanising bystanders to become more active allies. By donating to the campaign, supporters will help to sustain the services of their Sexual Assault Care Centre, and also allow them to continue important research work into sexual violence.

www.facebook.com/awaresg
twitter.com/awarenews
www.instagram.com/awaresingapore/www.linkedin.com/company/10355477/

 

 

 

 

 

About Penny Shone

Penny Shone was born in New Zealand. She has been a resident of Singapore since 1985, and an AWARE member for 20 years. She led international public affairs and communications for General Electric across 150 countries, and prior to that, was a managing director at Citigroup for 12 years, leading the company’s public affairs, communications and citizenship strategies across Asia Pacific.

Find out more about AWARE at aware.org.sg. To celebrate the International Women’s Day 2022 theme of #BreakTheBias, view AWARE’s events and partnerships and contribute to the cause here

European jewellery designers land in Singapore

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JeweLuxe_Фото 22.09.21, 22 44 53The past few years have certainly been lacking in glamour. Nights out became nights in, a nice shoe became a comfy flip-flop, and a slap up meal became a takeaway infront of Selling Sunset. But things do seem to be shifting slighting. As we start to feel (just a little) more confident about the future, the opportunity to put on some jewellery and feel good again might not be too far away.

An easy way to add some shimmer to your world is with jewellery. Even the most simple item can often make you feel a million dollars. But if you want your accessories to be a little different to the usual offerings, you’ll want to know about JeweLuxe World. From now until 22 March, this is where you’ll find some of Europe’s finest jewellery brands and independent designer’s masterpieces all under one roof in Singapore. Embracing the spirit of the European Renaissance of jewellery designs including Marina B, Alessio Boschi, Amedeo and Leonori (Italy), D&A Style and Tenzo (Russia), beautiful pieces will be showcased at this pop-up store at Scotts Square.

JeweLuxe_Trisola Ring Emerald

Jewellery with a European twist

JeweLuxe is also collaborating with a slew of local and international fashion labels to present the Art of Modernising Traditional Craft in Fashion and Jewellery – a month of weekly curated experiences for the appreciation of Europe’s history of style – from chinoiserie, frills, ruffles, lace and punk to more contemporary looks.

The European Renaissance is one of four distinct themes unveiled. Each edition celebrates the rich cultural heritage, generational provenance and contemporary designs. Paired with lifestyle and international fashion houses, the organisers have curated hybrid virtual and immersive in-store events and trunk shows tailored to deliver an elegant shopping experience.

JeweLuxe Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Angela Loh, said it is time to safely host an international luxury event and invite global heavyweights and exciting young designers to come together.

This 5th edition, supported by the Singapore Tourism Board, also paves the way for Jewelluxe 2023, which the organisers are confident will happen at Ngee Ann City in October.

Find out more on the JeweLuxe website here, or log onto Facebook or Instagram.

 

6 new fitness places & wellness spaces in Singapore for 2022

If your new year intention to get fit hasn’t quite transpired, no stress. Research conducted by sport-monitoring app Strava predicts the day most people give up on their resolutions is in fact 17 January (Strava calls it ‘Quitter’s Day’!). Indeed, a few months into the year appears to be a much more sensible time to take your health into your hands, especially if you’ve gone all out for Christmas, Chinese New Year, Australia Day and Waitangi Day with excessive food and drink. Here’s some new fitness places and wellness spaces to head to:

Platinum Fitness, Tanglin Mall

Platinum Fitness, Tanglin Mall
Platinum Fitness opened their second location at Tanglin Mall earlier this year. Being a boutiquey place to do some burpees, it’s sleek and stylish with top-of-the-range facilities including cardio machines, and a free weight zone with hand weights, kettle bells, and TRX suspension trainers. Guests can train alone, with a fitness trainer or with their own external trainer. Feeling lazy? We won’t judge if you just drop by for the premium shower facilities. For those signed up to their OUE Downtown gym, you can bag a multi-gym access pass for an additional $5 per month.
163 Tanglin Rd, 02-118/119/120 Tanglin Mall, 247933. Platinumfitness.sg

Freedom Gym, UIC BuildingFreedom Gym, UIC Building
This 6,000 sq ft space cost a whopping S$1.6 million to renovate, so it’s no wonder that it features state-of-the-art equipment from the likes of Arsenal Strength Gym Equipment, Kabuki Strength, and Prime Fitness USA. Designed for gym-goers as well as freelance fitness trainers (their own clients can access the gym without a membership), Freedom Gym, UIC Building is ideal for those who don’t want to get tied down to a long-term membership during uncertain times. If you work in the area, you can submit a Wafuken food order at reception and it’ll be delivered and waiting for you to eat post-session.
5 Shenton Way, Level 2 UIC Building, 068808. Freedomgym.sg

The Flow Pilates by Lab Studios,The Flow Pilates by Lab Studios, Joo Chiat
The Flow Pilates by Lab Studios is a reformer-only fitness studio. Offering a wide range of classes, it’s perfect for beginners and experts who love the feel of a good ol’ body stretch. Whether you’re looking to align a wonky-feeling torso, strengthen and tone your core, or focus on muscle training, the options are impressive. For something a little bit different, the Reformer Jumpboard classes fuse cardio with Pilates foundations and training – incredibly endorphin-inducing, but you may want to lay down afterwards.
135 East Coast Road, 428820. Labstudios.com/flowlab

Trapeze Rec Club, Tanjong PagarTrapeze Rec Club, Tanjong Pagar
Looking for some wonder, balance and connection in your life? Not quite a gym, and not quite a fitness studio, Trapeze Rec Club is a member’s club and wellness destination that puts mind and body first. Behind the hot pink door on Tanjong Pagar Road lies a hotbed of health facilities including a yoga studio, gym with personal trainers, reflexology lounge, an outdoor sauna, and more. For those intrigued by Europe’s cold water swimming craze, there’s a Thermal Suite with freezing plunge pool, and wellbeing workshops where therapists provide a deeper insight into holistic living. The onsite cafe at Trapeze rec Club, Canteen, offers toast, coffee, and smoothies made with nutritious and organically sourced ingredients (of course).
27 Tanjong Pagar Road, 088450. Trapeze.sg

Yoga Movement, Serangoon & Tanjong PagarYoga Movement, Serangoon & Tanjong Pagar
Yoga Movement (YM) opened its seventh studio at Serangoon Gardens late last year. It’s their cutest venue yet, boasting a rustic ‘barn-like’ vibe in what feels like a total hideaway. Classes range from gentle stretching yoga to HIIT-yoga sessions. YM at Icon VIllage Tanjong Pagar replaced the Carpenter Street location and offers a botanical-themed outlet with spacious studios and changing rooms.
54 Serangoon Garden Way, Garden Post Office, 555950 / 12 Gopeng St, Icon Village, 078877. Yogamovement.com

Core Collective, SentosaCore Collective, Sentosa
Core Collective Singapore is a place where you can get personal training, psychotherapy and sound healing in one single spot. Seeing as the Anson and Dempsey locations have gone down a storm, this year sees the opening of two new additions to the fitness family: i12 Katong and Sentosa. Located in a beautiful conservation building within Amara Sanctuary Resort, and offering the same facilities and service but with an extra beachy feel, Core Collective Sentosa is set to be a restorative hit with both island dwellers and city escapees. Watch this space for further details on both imminent destinations.
Amara Sanctuary Resort,1 Larkhill Road, 099394. Corecollective.sg

Test for the best: Psychological tests for children at Promises

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As parents, we all want the best for our children. We naturally see the good in them and marvel at their every new development and discovery. However, raising a child can be demanding. Even under the greatest circumstances, their emotions and personality traits can change frequently, and it can be difficult to pinpoint when certain behaviours are typical or might need special attention.

Just like us, children experience a huge range of emotions (some more adorable than others!). They can be sad, anxious, aggressive or irritable. They can be restless, reclusive or downright grumpy. In most cases, these feelings are perfectly healthy, but how can you tell if your child’s mannerisms are a part of growing up or a cause for concern?

Promises Healthcare, Psychiatric & Psychological clinic can help to put your mind at ease with their psychological tests for children and adolescents. Carried out by their expert team of senior child and educational psychologists, these evaluations can help parents to better understand the strengths and challenges their child may have in areas of cognitive, behavioural, learning and socio-emotional functioning.

Tan Su-Lynn, Senior Educational Psychologist at Promises

Why take a psychological test?

While the idea of psychological tests for children might sound daunting, they can be essential in helping parents to make educated choices and implement strategies to ensure a child is getting the right support. “Intelligence – sometimes referred to as the Intelligence Quotient (IQ) – includes cognitive functioning, intellectual ability, aptitude, thinking skills, and general ability,” explains Senior Clinical Psychologist at Promises, S C Anbarasu. “Based on the type of assessments used, trained psychologists can obtain a more in-depth understanding of a child’s challenges. Some potential issues that can be detected include emotional or behavioural problems, or delayed learning with writing, spelling, maths or reading. Testing also helps to identify the presence of autism, ADHD or dyslexia.”

Says Tan Su-Lynn, Senior Educational Psychologist at Promises, “When a child is observed to have difficulties with their learning or behaviour in school or at home, this may suggest the possibility of a learning or behavioural disorder. Severity of the difficulties should also be taken into consideration, such as whether they impact their social, home and/or school functioning. Psychological testing can obtain a profile of a child’s strengths and areas that require support.

Reasons for a psychological test can include:

  • Learning difficulties or delays (for example, difficulties with spelling, writing, reading)
  • Emotional or behavioural problems in the classroom or home
  • Admission to special educational programmes
  • Increased understanding of a child’s learning style
  • Concerns regarding possible attentional difficulties
  • Underachievement
  • Giftedness
Senior Clinical Psychologist at Promises, S C Anbarasu

What are the tests and how do they work?

Depending on your concerns and your child’s needs, there are two types of psychological tests for children available at Promises to ascertain a child’s profile. “The IQ test measures a range of cognitive abilities and provides a score that is intended to serve as a measure of the child’s intellectual abilities, overall thinking, reasoning skills and potential,” explains Su-Lynn. “Our Academic Testing assesses areas in language, reading, writing, mathematical skills, comprehension and fluency.”

After an initial consultation period, both assessments take place in stages. As each one lasts approximately 6-12 hours, sessions are spaced out to reduce fatigue and distraction. There are no scary school exam style set-ups here: each test involves fun problems, puzzles and questions. “Generally, most children enjoy the testing sessions as it’s an engaging process,” says Anba. “To make sessions as stress-free as possible, we have regular breaks so they can play with their favourite toys. Tasks that involve using hands to construct or fingers to point at pictures appear to appeal the most. Parents are welcome to join their child throughout for support.”

Once completed, a feedback session is arranged to discuss the outcome and provide parents with the opportunity to ask questions. Parents also receive a comprehensive written report with recommendations for home and school settings. Continues Anba, “With psychological tests for children, we can address potential issues early and hopefully prevent the child from feeling demoralised, stressed and anxious in the future.”

When parents and teachers work holistically with Promises, everyone receives a better understanding of the child’s behaviour and game-changing solutions to bring them a brighter and happier future.

Promises Healthcare_Psychological Testing Diagram

Discover more at Promises Healthcare, Psychiatric & Psychological clinic.#09-22/23, Novena Medical Center, 10 Sinaran Drive, 307506. Tel: +65 63977309

Aussie Film Festival comes to Singapore!

Aussie Film Festival 2022_General PosterFilm buffs and lovers of all things Oz rejoice! The first edition of the Australian Film festival comes to Singapore this month. Brought to us by the Australian High Commission and presented in tandem with Harmony Week in Australia to celebrate Australian multiculturalism, expect contemporary films that reflect Australia’s rich cultural diversity.

The festival features four films that are built on inclusiveness, respect, and a sense of belonging.

First up is Stephen Johnson’s High Ground, a frontier truth-telling film that recounts the story of Travis, a former WW1 soldier turned policeman in a remote landscape of Northern Australia, and a young Aboriginal man, Gutjuk as they hunt down the outlaw Baywara, the most dangerous warrior in the Territory, Gutjuk’s Uncle. There’s also a live virtual Q&A session with producer/actor Witiyana Marika (Yothu Yindi’s Elder and frontman) and director/producer Stephen Johnson.

Leah Purcell’s The Drover’s Wife: The Legend of Molly Johnson is another frontier film offering a powerful new interrogation of Australian history and a universal story of what a mother will do to protect her children.

Singapore-born Australian director Joy Hopwood’s two films at the Aussie Film festival, Rhapsody of Love and Get A Life, Alright! go way beyond romantic schmaltz with Get A Life, Alright! highlighting the themes of female friendships and mental health.

It’s time to virtually travel back to the homeland (just don’t forget your snuggly blanket – we all know Singapore’s cinema temperatures do not replicate those back in Oz!)

The Aussie Film Festival takes place at the Projector Cinema from 17 March – 27 March and there are two screenings for each film. Find out more on Facebook. Purchase tickets here.

 

 

 

 

International Women’s Day 2022: How to show support in Singapore

International Women’s Day on 8 March 2022 is a global day celebrating the historical, cultural, and political achievements of women around the world. The day is also observed in support of taking action against gender inequality. If you want to get involved or are just interested in finding out more, read on for ideas of how to show support in Singapore.

International Womens Day 2022_Females crossing arms
Post you in your International Womens Day 2022 pose online

1. Join #Breakthebias on social media

This year’s IWD campaign theme is #BreakTheBias, encouraging us to imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination. A world that’s diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated, and where women’s equality isn’t even an issue. To support this pledge, share a photo of yourself raising striking the #BreakTheBias pose (above) on your preferred social media platform. Remember to include the hashtags #BreakTheBias and #IWD2022. If you’re too shy for a public appearance, log onto #BreakTheBias and be inspired by the thousands of posts and stories already uploaded online.

International Womens Day_NEON PIGEON

2. Have a drink with the girls (for the girls)

Firangi Superstar, IWD cocktails, 1 – 31 March In collaboration with AWARE Singapore, Firangi Superstar have come up with three signature cocktails of which 20% of proceeds will be donated to IWD’s #BreakTheBias campaign.
Neon Pigeon, IWD Brunch, 19 & 20 March Also in conjunction with AWARE, Neon Pigeon are hosting an International Women’s Day Brunch on 19 & 20 March.20% of all proceeds from brunch on both days will be donated to support the campaign. The top 3 groups who come dressed as their favourite 90s girl group gets a big boy surprise. The mind boggles.
The Fat Prince, 12 March, 10.30am-1pm & 1.30pm-4pm The final AWARE collab is with the Fat Prince. Head there for brunch on Saturday 12 March when 20% of all proceeds will be donated to support the #BreakTheBias campaign.
Smoke& Mirrors, 8 March, free-flow Champagne, 7.30pm-9.30pm Smoke & Mirrors are offering free flow Besserat de Bellefon Champagne available for two hours from 7.30 – 9.30pm at $88++. You’ll also nab a glass of Forget-me-not as a welcome drink.

 

Web-International-Womens-Day-2022_Women-in-Tech-at-work-looking-at-screen
The annual Tech in Asia lunch offers insights from leaders about female empowerment and goals for the future

3. Attend an International Women’s Day event 

While Covid restrictions continue, IWD events are taking place online or in person on a paired down scale. If you want to take part, a few goodies include:

  • Tech In Asia IWD Lunch, Riviera The Restaurant, Tuesday 8 March 2022

Each year, Tech in Asia puts great emphasis on IWD to promote equal representation and opportunities for women in the tech industry. This year, Dione Song (CEO, Love, Bonito), Juliet Zhu (CFO, Carsome) as well as Tech in Asia’s COO Maria Li will share their experiences on creating greater gender diversity and female empowerment over a 3-course meal. Seats are limited, so log on here to get your tickets as soon as possible.

  • The International Women’s Day Virtual Conference, Conrad Centennial Singapore, Tuesday 8 & 10 March 2022

Organised by the British Chamber of Commerce Singapore, this lunch event brings together trailblazers and leaders over a special Leaders in Business lunch. This year, participants will hear from Amanda Murphy, Head of Commercial Banking for HSBC in South and Southeast Asia. Join in-person or online. There’s also a virtual panel discussion on 10 March to discuss the physical, financial, mental and educational barrier that all women face.

  • Women in Leadership Asia Summit: Empowering Women, Empowering Our Future, Fullerton Hotel, Friday 11 March 2022

Sign up for this event which brings together some of Asia’s most inspiring and successful female leaders from across ASEAN and Europe. Click here for more.

  • #BreakTheBias with Belgium Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce, Hollandse Club, Tuesday 8 March 2022

Join Charlotte Wilkinson (Hello Sister), Sharon Wong (CEO of Motherswork) and Belgium Ambassador HE Colette Taquet and more to speak about the challenges they face within their business. The ticket includes access to the event, refreshments throughout, and dinner afterwards. Log on here for further details and to book your seat.

4. Head to this local photography exhibition, 8-20 March

Hosted by Women in Street SG, Women by Women is a street photography exhibition  celebrating Singapore’s women. Taking place at Gillman Barracks, it kicks off on 8 March and runs through to 20 March. Curated by local expats and photographers Marie Dailey and Karlynne Wintels, images range from the gritty to the glam and give a creative insight to the people, cultures and cool females on the red dot just getting through the every day. Find out more at womeninstreet.sg

Break Free AWARE banner
Break Free with AWARE this IWD with their mini-festival event

5. Break Free! with AWARE at The Projector X, 19 March

Join AWARE for a one-day-only mini-IWD festival of three special events. First up, get a crash course in feminist history and theory at the “Feminism For All” workshop. Then, flex your gender-equality knowledge at Trivia Game Night in teams of four or five. Finally, watch a charity screening of the intimate, life-affirming Singapore film Some Women, followed by a conversation with filmmaker Quen Wong and her documentary subjects. Tickets are limited.

 

International Women's Day_Awesome Women Book Cover
Read up on the inspiring women who surround us here on the red dot

6. Educate the kids (& yourself!)

Start the young people in your life on the path to gender equality early with books that feature strong females and inspirational stories. Some of our favourites include:

Awesome Women of Singapore, edited by Margaret Thomas

Illustrated by 10 female Singapore artists, this book (9+) was produced in collaboration with the Singapore Council of Women’s Organisation (SCWO). It features a collection of stories about the inspirational women on the island, including Hajjah Fatimah binte Sulaiman, the businesswoman and philanthropist to whom the mosque at Beach Road is dedicated; Laurentia Tan, Singapore’s most decorated Paralympian; and Hedwig Anuar, who was the director of the National Library for 28 years. Log on here for more.

Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls

Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls (6+) was the first book from a pioneering series. It’s packed with 100 bedtime stories about the life of 100 extraordinary women from the past and the present (think Dr Jane Goodall, Julia Child and Mary Kom). The unique narrative style transforms each biography into a fairytale, and it comes illustrated by 60 female artists from all over the world. Click here to view the whole collection.

 Malala’s Magic Pencil by Malala Yousafzai

Told in her own words, this story (4+) was inspired by Malala Yousafzai’s dream – that girls’ and women around the world have the same right to education as their male counterparts. This beautifully illustrated book tells Malala’s story for a younger audience and shows them the worldview that allowed Malala to hold on to hope even in the most difficult of times. Find Malala’s Magic Pencil at Kinokuniya Singapore.

International Womens Day_Anza Ladies Night
Three things are guaranteed at an ANZA Ladies Night: booze, brilliant women and the best of times

7. Join an ANZA Ladies Night

For an instant dose of womanly greatness, join our ANZA Ladies Night event. While we welcome all genders to ANZA’s activities and social offerings, this one’s purely for the females! Taking place several times a week and in various glamorous locations around the red dot, they’re a fantastic opportunity to meet like-minded people, form solid friendships and have a good old giggle (as only the girls’ can!).

Hotspots: Sunday afternoon at Atlas Bar

Sunday afternoons at Atlas involve more meat and cheese than you can shake a stick at!

The opportunity to dress up (and feel a bit posh) has been lacking of late, which is why an invitation to Sundays at Atlas at iconic Parkview Square had us dusting down our heels in a hot second.

Given it’s swankiness, Atlas Bar might not be the first spot that comes to mind for a Sunday afternoon. With its stunning 1920s decor, luxurious gold interior, opulent furnishings and eight metre tall Gin Tower, it’s a venue you tend to associate with a fancy-pants night out. But the moment we sink into the velvet armchairs, we realise it’s the dream location for some weekend indulgence, especially in ‘these times’. The venue offers so much space that there is no choice but to socially distance. The plush furniture fills the room with cosiness. The background music and chatter of patrons happy to not be spending a Sunday afternoon in Ikea is infectious.

Hail! It’s the Atlas Bar Espresso Martini

Sundays at Atlas are unlike any other day of the week. The event, which lasts 2.5 hours, boasts its own drinks and nibbles menu, both of which are free-flowing and therefore a combination of delicious and dangerous. Beverages in the set price menu include a selection of award-winning cocktails, wine and beer (you can elevate to Delamotte NV Champagne +$40 per guest for free-flow), so it makes sense to start gently with the Sunday Spritz, an easy and refreshing mix of Citadelle gin, pear, citrus, soda and prosecco. Keen to start the proceedings with a bang, we also go straight in for an Espresso Martini of Tried & True vodka, coffee liqueur, aromatic bitters, cream and a splash of cinnamon. Needless to say, one cocktail is not enough, and with 10 to choose from, we have a hydrating time ahead. The Baroque Pearl, another sweet treat of Citadelle gin, cucumber, mango, milk, sugar and citrus is a firm favourite, alongside the strong, silent and certainly punchy Michter’s bourbon whiskey based Old Fashioned.

From left: Atlas Gin & Tonic, Baroque Pearl and Negroni

In addition, the G&T Suite provides the opportunity to build your own bespoke concoction. The choice between Widges Gin and Hayman’s Old Tom Gin causes less stress than which tonic water and garnish to go for. Options range from yuzu to mediterranean for the tonic, to pink peppercorn, juniper berries, celery, basil and more for the trimmings.

Thankfully, a mouthwatering platter of artisan bread, dips, pickles, nuts, meats and cheeses helps to soak up the drinks. Peppered smoked mackeral, country pork terrine and dollops of fresh fig jam add to the decadence, as do the desserts of carrot cake and buttermilk pannacotta.

VERDICT: Skip the Sunday house chores and head here for some truly special sipping and snacking. You deserve it.

Sundays at ATLAS are held every second Sunday of the month. From 158++ per guest with cocktails.

Atlas
600 North Bridge Rd, Parkview Square, 188778
atlasbar.sg

International artists highlight nature in new art exhibition

International artists nature exhibition_Jassy-Husk-artist_Painting-at-desk
Artist Jassy Husk creating magic at her desk

At Paris Fashion Week earlier this year, the voice behind the opening was Australian born, Singapore-based Jassy Husk, an international award-winning, critically acclaimed classical opera singer (collaborators include evreyone from Dame Kiri Te Kanawa to DJ Pete Tong).

Not content with having an envy-inducing set of vocal chords, she’s also an incredible multi-disciplinary environmental artist, and it’s these artsy talents that she’ll be showcasing at a new exhibition in Joo Chiat.

The exhibition, Nautilus, is a contemporary international art collaboration celebrating the beauty of the underwater world and the plight of coral reefs. Alongside ceramics by New Zealand artist Conley, and fashion collectibles by Rehyphen®, the event marks the international premier of Jassy’s latest environmental artwork series which comprises acrylic on canvas with mixtures of sand and crushed glass. “This gives the acrylic structure so that I can shape and sculpt it to create the narrative,” she says.

International artists nature exhibition_Jassy-Husk_artwork
Jassy’s artwork is inspired by the environment and nature

Jassy became a painter when she decided to give her artistic talents a new form and visually express her relationship with music. On moving to Singapore she began free diving and discovered the boundless world of marine colours and life. However, as she dived deeper, she discovered that 80% of the corals in the Great Pacific Ocean had died due to the global warming and pollution. This sad reality, combined with a wish to celebrate life beneath the waves, prompted her to create the Nautilus I and Nautilus II artwork collections.

Organised by Reef Chorus, the exhibition starting on 31 March is a unique re-imagining of the voices of the sea in aid of the Nature Society, Singapore. “Without a voice, we are just consuming. Taking. Not giving back. Art is a way to highlight issues; to give them a voice. I want my audience to leave having discovered something new or experienced the oceans in a new light,” Jassy says.

As for when she fits her creations into her busy schedule, Jassy shares, “I create project sketches and concepts while I’m travelling, then when I’m at home on Sentosa overlooking the sea, I paint. My rescue dog sleeps by the door and when I wash my arms and paint brushes she knows it is time for a walk!”

Discover more about this four-day event and purchase tickets through Peatix here. All artwork will be available for sale and a percentage of proceeds directly support reef conservation.

The ANZA Young Writers’ Competition 2022: Calling all young scribes!

If you love creating cool stories and imaginative characters, don’t miss The ANZA Young Writers’ Competition 2022! Last year we were inundated with entries, and we can’t wait to read your submissions for this year.

Rules of entry

  • Your entry to ANZA Young Writers’ Competition 2022 must be no more than 500 words, and it must begin with the line: “It is 1 January 2027 …”. The word ‘Singapore’ must be mentioned at least once in the text, and your submission must be your own original work
  • There are three age groups: 6-9, 10-14 and 15-18. The competition is open to all residents of Singapore
  • The ANZA Young Writers’ Competition 2022 is open now and runs until Thursday 28 April, 2022. Entries must be emailed as a word document with your name, address and age to kristenhobby@gmail.com
  • Entries will be judged by the ANZA Writing Group and ANZA magazine editor Jo Upcraft. All winners will be notified by Monday 30 May 2022
  • There are some wonderful prizes on offer. First prize for each age group is $50 cash plus a $30 book voucher from Closetful of Books. Winners will have their entry published in the July/August issue of ANZA magazine
  • Runners up in each category will have their submission featured on the ANZA website in July 2022

Kickstart Your Submission
To offer some help along the way, head of ANZA Writing Group, Kristen Hobby shares tips for young authors:

1 Read, read, read
Experience as many books as you can from across all genres. This will help you to work out which writing styles you like.

2 Find inspiration
Ideas for stories are everywhere and can be found in the most unlikely of places. Pay attention to what’s around you and you never know what will spark a plotline.

3 Just do it!
Inspo not coming? Most good stories begin with a tiny seed of an idea, but if you don’t have one, don’t worry. Just start writing without overthinking too much and see what develops.

4 Read your story out loud
This is a great way to ‘hear’ your story and spot anything that needs changing.

5 Keep editing
Once you have your thoughts down, keep returning to your story, ensuring every
word is needed and relevant. Don’t be afraid to cut out words and unnecessary details.

6 Share
When you feel like your story is nearly finished, ask a trusted friend or family member to have a look. Take their feedback on board, but remember that the story is yours, and that’s what makes it so good!

What’s on in Singapore in March 2022

 

Join The Tiger Trail
The Year of the Tiger calls for some stomping of your own tiger feet around the island! The newest walking trail here brings together the World Wide Fund for Nature Singapore (WWF Singapore) and over sixty global and local artists such as Ken Done from Australia and  Kumari Nahappan from Singapore to raise awareness for tiger conservation. Follow the route which takes in 33 life-sized tiger art sculptures, each presenting a unique perspective on how climate change, poaching and deforestation is affecting these beautiful creatures in the wild. Until 9 April. tigertrail.wwf.sg

From left: Ms Yeo Miu Ean, Ms Junie Foo (President of SCWO), Ms Joanna Portilla, and Ms Margaret Thomas (Chair of SWHF) Photo Credit: SCWO

The Future Is Female
Take a peek into the future at The Lives of Women exhibition. This installation series by the Singapore Women’s Hall of Fame (SWHF) is a collaboration with the National Museum of Singapore and looks at key issues and trends affecting women on the red dot today. Ponder over questions about what life might be like for females in 2050 and embark on some visitor participation by posting your wish for women and Singapore on the ‘Our Singapore in 2050’ message board. Until 1 April 2022. nhb.gov.sg

New World’s End

 

 

Art & Theatre Collide
New World’s End is a sixty-minute walking tour-slash-theatrical journey told through headphones. The audio-guided art experience curated by Oh! Open House details the evolution of the Jalan Besar area of Singapore through the fictitious lives of Kiran and Rosa in the 60s. From hidden back alleys to an apartment lost in time, immerse yourself in art, culture and local history in a way you’ve never experienced before. ohopenhouse.org

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