There is a flickering flame of passion and perseverance passed from one generation of women to another. It is embodied not only in young girls but in adults and seniors alike. It has moved throughout the history of the face of the Earth, and today we celebrate the rise and fanning of the flame in Singapore.

The Singapore Women’s Hall of Fame was launched in 2005 to honour the country’s pioneering women activists, educators, and philanthropists. SWHF aims to celebrate women who have made, or are making an impact in Singapore – boundary breakers, record holders, risk-takers, change makers, role models, and standard setters. Today, these women are shaping the country’s society with their vision and passion, enterprise and leadership, their talent and creativity, and above all, their humanity.

To commemorate National Day, we’re highlighting the progress of the women in Singapore by taking a look at some of their most inspiring contributions to society. This video produced by The Singapore Women’s Hall of Fame and TheDoodlePeople illustrates Singapore’s key highlights from 1819 to the present day.

1824

Women are beginning to voice their desire for more opportunities in trade.

1842

Maria Dyer establishes Singapore’s first all-girls school. Paving the way for young girls to receive equal education, which later births doctors, social workers, and more!

1933

A great year of victory for children as child slavery is banned. Especially good news for young girls who were oftentimes sold by their poor parents to be slavemaids.

1947

After the Japanese surrender and leave, families begin having several children while parents admit they can hardly provide for them all. Constance Goh established the Singapore Family Planning Association which focused on birth control and educating parents.

1950

Ten brave women join the Singapore police, boasting the same pay as their male colleagues.

1951

At the time, the highest decision-making body in Singapore was the Members of the Legislative Council, where not one but two women, Elizabeth Choy and Vilasini Menon, were making their break into high politics.

1952

Singapore’s first female Olympian, Tang Pui Wah was a sporting legend in Singapore and Malaya in the 1950s.

1961

The Women’s Charter comes into force, protecting the rights of women and children, outlawing polygamy for non-Muslims, and enforcing all marriages to be legally registered. Strides of progress in favour of women and the future generations they bear.

1965

As Singapore claims independence, women continue to rise up!

1970

To counter overpopulation, Singapore implemented the “Stop At Two” campaign.

1978

Catherine Lim’s best-selling book of short stories, Little Ironies: Stories of Singapore was published.

1980

The Singapore Council of Women’s Organisations is incorporated as an umbrella body for women’s groups in Singapore. Along with the Singapore Women’s Hall of Fame, they continue to honour women annually in hosting the inductee’s gala evening.

1986

Singapore urged citizens to have more babies, introducing pro-family policies.

1995

Thirty years after declaring independence, the United Nations’ Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) is implemented in Singapore, binding Singapore to the duty of constantly seeking advancement in gender equality.

Present Day

Twenty years later and Singapore continues to advance and progress, encouraging all citizens – children, women, and men alike – to dream big and live their passion.

The flame continues to flicker, what will you add to the legacy of women in Singapore?

Find Out More And Support The Singapore Women’s Hall Of Fame

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