SINGAPORE:

Jingjin Liu, founder of Elevate, shared a poignant narrative on LinkedIn about an experience that starkly illuminated the gender biases still present in the workplace. Reflecting on this moment from eight years ago, Liu detailed how a seemingly routine encounter morphed into a crucial lesson about workplace gender dynamics.

She was summoned by her division's Vice President (VP) to prepare for a critical meeting with one of the world's largest automotive manufacturers. With over 200 colleagues operating tirelessly, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation and pressure. Liu remembered the VP's words: “You have 5 hours to get ready. Can you do this?”

However, just moments before the meeting, she was confronted with an unexpected question that struck a nerve: “What are you wearing right now?” The VP's rationale was alarming; he pointed out that the president of the client company had a troubling history of inappropriate comments toward women. This response made Liu aware that she needed to prepare not only her talking points but also for potential harassment.

“While I ultimately managed to deliver my presentation successfully, I will never forget how this question redirected the focus from my qualifications to my appearance and security,” Liu expressed, emphasizing how these moments reflect broader issues many women face in professional settings.

She shared this personal account to highlight the often-ignored struggles of women and to embolden others to confront gender inequalities actively. As she articulated, “The scales aren’t balanced,” suggesting that despite prevailing beliefs about achieved gender equity, many women are still forced to navigate their safety alongside advocating for their expertise.

Liu's narrative raises a critical question for organizations: have we truly achieved gender equity when women must contemplate their attire before an important meeting? She called for an environment where women can prioritize performance over concerns about potential vulnerabilities, urging deeper conversations around persistent workplace challenges.

Progress in Gender Equality in Singapore

Despite such ongoing challenges, there is a silver lining regarding gender equity in Singapore. The United Nations Gender Inequality Index ranks Singapore as first in the Asia Pacific region and eighth globally for its minimal gender inequality levels, based on factors such as reproductive health, empowerment, and labor market participation.

A report from the Ministry of Social and Family Development in May 2024 indicates significant strides in female workforce representation. Between 2013 and 2023, the employment rate for women aged 25 to 64 surged from 69.2% to 76.6%, thereby narrowing the gender gap to 12.4 percentage points. Moreover, the number of women in leadership roles has dramatically increased; among the top 100 companies listed on the Singapore Exchange, the proportion of female board members has risen from 7.5% in 2013 to an impressive 22.7% by June 2023.

Though Liu's experience underscores a persistent issue, the progress seen in Singapore paints a hopeful picture of a future where women's contributions are celebrated over their appearances—a future where gender equity is not just a talking point but a lived reality.