It was an intense but fruitful week in New York for SCWO representatives, Mrs Laura Hwang (President) and Ms Malathi Das (2nd Vice President). 4 NGO teams, Sayoni, HOME, AWARE and SCWO were there to deliver their oral presentations on 18 July. Our team was given 2.5 minutes to present the oral report visioned "Equal Space, Equal Voice, Equal Worth" where we highlighted issues for healthcare for ageing women, and economic and social benefits for women. SCWO also raised the concerns of women leadership in senior public positions and boardrooms and the need for education for integration.

On 22 July, a 5-hour constructive dialogue was carried out between UN CEDAW Committee and the Singapore government led by Madam Halimah Yacob (Minister of State for MCYS). The CEDAW experts raised several questions on measures taken to ensure the non-discrimination of women, and the Singapore delegation responded to them with preparedness and parity.

A Concluding Observation has been released to the Singapore government whereby recommendations on improving the prevention of discrimination against women in Singapore has been issued.

More details on the session can be found from the press releases circulated by the UN and MCYS and more information on CEDAW can be found here.

The following reports are available for your information:

SCWO Shadow Report Executive Summary

SCWO's Shadow Report 

MOS Madam Halimah Yacob's Statement at CEDAW

Lunch Briefing on the Fourth Periodic Report

Here's a pictorial recap of what went on during the 10 days.