Driving Change for Women and Families in Singapore

Singapore, 24 March 2025 – In an exclusive interview with IN Diplomacy for the Ambassadors of Change column, Yeo Wan Ling, NTUC Assistant Secretary-General and Director for U Women and Family (WAF) & U SME, shared the organisation’s mission to support women and families in Singapore through progressive workplace policies, mentorship, and advocacy initiatives.

Q: What is the mission and vision of NTUC U Women & Family, and how does it aim to support women and families in Singapore?

NTUC U Women & Family (WAF), an initiative of the Singapore National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), serves as the voice for working women and families. It champions women’s career aspirations by advocating for a positive and inclusive work environment that is both flexible and fair while leveraging the Labour Movement network and partnerships to support their career, family, and caregiving needs.

Q: Can you share some of the key initiatives and programs that NTUC U Women & Family has launched to support women’s empowerment and family well-being?

WAF has launched several key initiatives to support women’s empowerment and family well-being. Project Liquid Gold, introduced in 2013, advocated for better support for breastfeeding mothers at work and has since evolved into the Better Workplace Campaign, promoting flexible work arrangements and workplace harmony. The Women Supporting Women Mentorship Programme, launched in 2020, provides one-on-one mentorship with women leaders, while the SHE Supports Friendship Circles, introduced in 2024, offers a broader network-based mentorship model, engaging 30,000 women.

To support working caregivers, the C U Back @ Work (CUB) Programme, launched in 2023, helps women re-enter the workforce with flexible work and training options, benefitting nearly 1,000 participants. Additionally, the To-Gather: Power of Women initiative strengthens employer-MDW relationships through regular events, fostering a supportive caregiving ecosystem for families in Singapore.

Q: How does NTUC U Women & Family collaborate with other organizations and stakeholders to advance its mission?

WAF collaborates with the People’s Action Party Women’s Wing research group to address key workplace challenges affecting women, such as flexible work arrangements, financial burdens, caregiving resources, and concerns about retirement and re-employment. Through research and pilot initiatives, WAF helps develop solutions that support women in balancing their careers and personal responsibilities.

Additionally, WAF works closely with Tripartite Partners—comprising the Government, Unions, and Businesses—to influence policies and implement concrete action plans, such as the 2024 Tripartite Guidelines on Flexible Work Arrangements Requests (TG-FWAR). It also partners with various women’s groups to expand outreach, share resources, and collectively empower women in the workforce.

Q: What are some of the success stories or testimonials from women and families who have benefited from NTUC U Women & Family’s programs and services?

WAF has empowered many women through its programs, helping them advance in their careers or successfully return to the workforce. The Women Supporting Women Mentorship Programme has provided valuable mentorship, as seen in this story of a job seeker who overcame struggles to achieve success. Similarly, the C U Back @ Work (CUB) Programme has supported caregivers in re-entering employment with flexible arrangements. Angie Yang’s journey of active aging and career adaptability is highlighted here, while Joanne Chew, a stay-at-home mother for over a decade, regained confidence and secured a job managing environmental upkeep for two banks after being referred to the CUB Programme by the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF). With a flexible and supportive learning environment, she now advocates for more women to benefit from flexible work arrangements and empathetic employers.

Q: How does NTUC U Women & Family address the unique challenges faced by women and families in Singapore, such as work-life balance and caregiving responsibilities?

WAF acknowledges that women and families face diverse challenges, particularly in achieving work-life balance and managing caregiving responsibilities. To address these concerns, WAF conducts regular engagements such as surveys, small group discussions, and informal chitchat sessions to better understand the evolving needs of women. Through extensive ground sensing, WAF gathers valuable feedback, allowing it to influence policies, implement concrete action plans, and develop tailored programs that provide meaningful support. Additionally, WAF actively builds a strong support ecosystem through initiatives like the SHE Supports Friendship Circles, fostering mentorship and peer support among women to navigate both professional and personal challenges.

Q: What are the organization’s plans and goals for the future, and how does it aim to continue making a positive impact on the lives of women and families?

WAF remains committed to being the voice for working women and families by amplifying key issues and translating advocacy into action through impactful pilot solutions and programs. The organization aims to drive meaningful change by championing family-friendly workplaces, advocating for greater flexibility for caregivers, and ensuring that all women—regardless of their circumstances—receive the necessary support to thrive both at home and in the workplace. Through continuous engagement and strategic initiatives, WAF strives to empower women to achieve their fullest potential while fostering a more inclusive and supportive work environment.

Q: How can individuals get involved with NTUC U Women & Family, whether through volunteering, donating, or participating in its programs and events?

Individuals can get involved with NTUC U Women & Family (WAF) by following its social media platforms (@NTUCWomenandFamily) to stay informed about upcoming engagements, programs, and initiatives. They can also reach out directly via email at womenandfamily@ntuc.org.sg to explore opportunities for volunteering, participating in events, or supporting WAF’s mission of empowering women and families.

Q: Are there any upcoming events or initiatives that NTUC U Women & Family would like to promote or highlight?

WAF is excited to highlight two key upcoming initiatives. The Friendship Circles program, an expansion of the Women Supporting Women Mentorship Programme, offers a many-to-many mentorship model for women who may not yet be ready for one-on-one mentorship. This initiative fosters a supportive environment where women can connect, share experiences, and receive guidance from mentors across various industries. Additionally, the C U Back @ Work (CUB) Programme will expand in 2025 to include PME roles such as accounting and office administration. It will also be re-engineered to support new-to-the-workforce pregnant mothers, ensuring they receive full maternity benefits and secure permanent employment after delivery.