The Tripartite Guidelines on Fair Employment Practices will be transformed into legislation in the second half of 2024, according to Minister for Communications and Information Josephine Teo. This move aims to enhance workplace fairness and ensure that employees are hired based on merit alone. Speaking at the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s International Women’s Day Conference and Dinner, Teo highlighted that the new guidelines will also emphasize the proper consideration of flexible work arrangement requests by employers, thereby offering support to women who typically bear a heavier caregiving burden.
To meet the household needs of families, the Household Services Scheme will be expanded to include basic child-minding and elder-minding services. Currently, the scheme enables companies to hire migrant workers for part-time domestic services like home cleaning.
Josephine Teo further noted that several Budget announcements in 2024 were formulated to address the needs of women. Notably, Silver Support payouts will rise by 20 percent and extend to more beneficiaries, with almost two-thirds of recipients being women. The Retirement Savings Bonus will also top up the Central Provident Fund accounts of those in need, the majority of whom are women. Additionally, childcare fees will be further reduced, and non-working mothers from lower-income households will receive elevated subsidies for their children in pre-schools.
The minister acknowledged the challenges faced by women professionals who seek to re-enter the workforce, given the evolving demands of modern workplaces and the competition with younger workers possessing new skills. However, initiatives like the $4,000 SkillsFuture Credit top-up, which was announced during the Budget, can help women seize new opportunities for skills development.
The employment rate for women in Singapore between the ages of 25 and 64 continues to rise and is one of the highest globally, standing at 77 percent. Moreover, the gender pay gap has experienced further narrowing.
While the government actively empowers women, Teo emphasized the crucial role of the business community in promoting policies and practices that facilitate gender equality within the workplace and eradicate unfair treatment.
Organizations such as the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Career Women’s Group (CWG) have played a pivotal role in amplifying the voices of women in professional circles and advocating for systemic shifts towards equality. Teo suggested that groups like CWG are well-positioned to mentor and support women by creating safe spaces for sharing experiences, achievements, and setbacks. She also urged CWG to guide younger women who aspire to succeed in their careers while also desiring marriage and children.
Encouragingly, more men are increasingly fulfilling family commitments, which helps make raising children more manageable in the modern context. Teo reiterated the importance of society in supporting those who choose marriage and parenthood.
As Singapore progresses towards a fairer and more inclusive workforce, these initiatives aim to provide better protection against discrimination, support work-life balance, and foster equal opportunities for women in the workplace.
