Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong is calling for increased female representation in the upcoming General Election, emphasizing that diversity is crucial for effective governance. Wong pointed out that while the People's Action Party (PAP) had an all-male representation in the 1970s and early 1980s, today nearly one-third of its Members of Parliament (MPs) are women. The number of female PAP MPs has significantly increased from just three in 1984 to 23 today, showcasing a positive trend towards gender equality in Singapore's political landscape [874486a3].
Wong argues that gender equality should not be perceived as a zero-sum game, where the advancement of one group comes at the expense of another. He also highlighted the challenges faced by boys and young men in areas such as education and mental health, indicating that the conversation around gender should be inclusive of all perspectives. To support families, Wong introduced initiatives such as four weeks of paternity leave and a shared parental leave scheme [874486a3].
This push for greater female representation aligns with broader discussions on political reform and inclusivity in Singapore. As the nation prepares for its next elections, the emphasis on diversity in governance reflects a growing recognition of the importance of varied perspectives in decision-making processes. Wong's advocacy for women's candidacy not only aims to enhance political representation but also seeks to foster a more equitable society [c6492a7c].