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Women play an indispensable role in the sustainability space. But beyond climate change, they continue to face gender bias in other areas that need to be addressed as the world recovers from Covid-19.
Delivering the keynote speech at the 17th Women's Forum Global Meeting on Thursday, President Halimah Yacob noted that the pandemic has disproportionately affected women around the world.
"As we embark on global recovery efforts, we should seize the opportunities the pandemic has brought about, and chart new paths of growth and development that are more sustainable and inclusive," said Madam Halimah.
The event in Paris saw participants, including top female leaders from various sectors, discuss issues such as the climate crisis and the rise of global conflicts.
Madam Halimah said that women are indispensable partners in the sustainability space.
She cited a report by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, which shows that women are more likely to recycle, minimise wastage and practise sustainable consumption habits.
But there remain barriers for women, such as a lack of equal opportunities in the workplace, unconscious gender bias perpetuating traditional notions on what women can be, and digital gender gaps.
In her speech, Madam Halimah cited Singapore's experience in addressing these challenges.
She said the Republic in 1961 passed the Women's Charter, which institutionalised the equal standing of men and women in marriage here, improved healthcare services for women, and ensured equal access to education for boys and girls.
As a result, literacy rates of women aged 15 and above in Singapore have doubled from about 42 per cent to more than 96 per cent. Women today make up almost 30 per cent of Parliament as well.
Singapore wants to go further, Madam Halimah said.
For example, the White Paper on Singapore Women's Development, published earlier in 2022, spells out 25 action plans covering areas such as strengthening workplace fairness, entrenching flexible work arrangements and increasing women's representation on boards.
The Straits Times
"As we embark on global recovery efforts, we should seize the opportunities the pandemic has brought about, and chart new paths of growth and development that are more sustainable and inclusive."
- President Halimah Yacob (above)
