Speech by President Halimah Yacob at the Jamiyah Exemplary Mother Award 2019

Prof (Adjunct) Dr. Mohd Hasbi Abu Bakar, President of Jamiyah Singapore,

Ms Claire Chiang, Chairman of the Jamiyah Exemplary Mother Award Panel of Judges,

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good Afternoon. My husband and I are happy to be here today to celebrate the roles and achievements of mothers, and to present the Exemplary Mother Award 2019.

This is the 27th year that Jamiyah Singapore has organised the Exemplary Mother Award celebration, since it was instituted by the late Haji Abu Bakar Maidin. It is a good example of the concerted efforts of the community to recognise the important role women and mothers play in society.

I am glad that Jamiyah continues to look at ways to multiply the impact of the Award. Last August, Jamiyah organised the inaugural ‘In Conversation With Mothers’. The event provided an intimate and interactive platform for former Award winners, finalists and other women leaders to share their experiences with other parents in managing the parenting challenges of the 21st century. The event was a resounding success and expanded the reach of the Exemplary Mother Award.

Today’s young women enjoy many opportunities, with equal access to higher education and job opportunities in various fields. They play an important role as active contributors to our economy and nation building. Many have illustrious careers as successful entrepreneurs or in local companies or large MNCs. Others make significant contributions in politics and community organisations. These are the fruits of their hard work and our nation’s investment in the education for everyone. 

However, these opportunities enjoyed by women today also means that they often have to play multiple roles. Many find themselves having to fulfil the expectations of a mother, wife and daughter well, even after a busy workday. Many women feel pressured to do things better. Fortunately, more companies are providing flexi-work arrangements for both men and women so that there is work-life harmony. When women succeed, families and communities also prosper. When the various stakeholders, such as employers, Government and community organisations work together to support women in their roles, there can be better outcomes for all.

Our nominees here today exemplify the vast contributions of such multi-faceted women. All the finalists are winners in their own right. At the core of their success are values and character, as well as the contributions of their family members and husbands.

Today, many husbands share household duties with their wives. This is commendable and very important. I highly encourage the spirit of shared involvement for all couples. Research has shown that children with more involved fathers have better physical, cognitive and emotional developmental outcomes. The support from the family will help to ease the load on our women and enable them to take on various life challenges.

I would also like to encourage women to be more willing to seek help from family or friends, including counselling, if there is a need. Women are generally reluctant to do so believing that if they seek help it may indicate that they cannot manage their responsibilities well and there is a loss of face. As a result, some may face mental pressures, which could lead to more serious issues, which may ultimately affect the family. There are many kinds of help and services available to women in Singapore. As a starting point, women should accept that we are not superhumans, and cannot do everything by ourselves, nor can we do everything to perfection. We play multiple roles and there are only 24 hours in a day. We need support, help and understanding so that we can make effective contributions. 

In closing, let me thank Jamiyah once again for organising this afternoon’s event to recognise outstanding women as Exemplary Mothers and Young Mothers. It is also important for us to recognise the efforts of fathers as it takes both mothers and fathers to raise children well. I wish Jamiyah continued success in its contribution towards building a strong, vibrant, and inclusive Singapore. Thank you.