We are AWARE...even when abroad

Doing a little to show my support for AWARE - a Singaporean NGO which has done admirable advocacy work for women in Singapore since 1984.

Sadly, this organization has been fissured by a controversial change in leadership earlier this year. The new leaders of AWARE have thrust a single issue into the limelight, which they claim is evidence of the old AWARE's declining vision and focus - namely, the organization's supposed 'homosexual' agenda. The new leadership states that they have come to bring AWARE 'back' to its original aims and focus - that is, everyday women's issues. Although how they got the idea that lesbians do not factor in 'women's' issues especially in this day and age is puzzling.

This has become a huge point of contention and provoked knee-jerk reactions from certain sections of society. Whilst it has understandably raised concerns, I think it is unfortunate that one issue should negate and overshadow AWARE's extensive track record over the past 25 years, which you can view here http://www.we-are-aware.sg/achievements

If you are not comfortable with AWARE's liberal and open stance toward homosexuality and sexual education, that is fine. However, surely that cannot be the only criteria by which you judge this institution which has done so much more over the last quarter of a century to improve the lives of women. No organization is perfect, but I admire the open spirit which has guided AWARE, and which has given it the flexibility to evolve over the years and accommodate the new challenges that women in Singapore face.

And surely AWARE's stance toward alternative sexualities cannot be the only reason to endorse a new set of women who, however well-meaning, have claimed leadership over an organization whose ethos they do not even subscribe to (from what I see) - or selectively subscribe to only when it fits their personal religious convictions first and foremost. I should stress that I don't believe in interrogating someone's personal religious beliefs, unless they start to exert an undue influence over the management of a secular, liberal and non-discriminatory organization.

If you're an overseas Singaporean like me and wish to show your support for the old AWARE, you can pop by here to view and sign their online petition: http://www.gopetition.com/online/27163.html

Incidentally, the petition was started by a veteran member of AWARE who is also currently residing overseas! It's great that we can still have a say and take a stand even when away from home.

And for all those ladies back home. If you support the old AWARE and what it stands for, do sign up and go vote at the EGM this Saturday!!! I really wish I could've been there, but alas...here I am.

If you wish to find out more about the AWARE saga, I've really enjoyed viewing the press conferences which both the new and old leadership have given in the last week. See http://www.channelnewsasia.com/aware/videoarchives.htm for the video archives!