The Singapore Women’s Charter: 50 Questions/ by Leong Wai Kum

• author: Leong Wai Kum
• publisher: ISEAS
• published in: 2011
• language: English

Prof Leong Wai Kum not only demystifies the provisions of the Women's Charter, she also situates the Charter in Singapore's political context at the time. The author gives a balanced view of the Charter by highlighting the progressive provisions as well as its shortcomings. Outstanding is her personal view that the Charter provides a moral view of marriage as being “an equal cooperative partnership of different efforts”. She also holds the view that the Charter elevates the status of women as it gives equal importance to women's unpaid work and men’s paid work. The Charter enshrines and elevates the institution of marriage. At the same time it also gives the reader an impression of the state's approach to familial relationships. This is a must read book for those who are interested in gender issues. -- Cheng U Wen Lena, Founder Member and 1st President of AWARE

The author affirms the primacy of the Women's Charter as a radically progressive legislation ahead of its time in the ideals that guided the drafters and in regulating family law in Singapore. It provides thoughtful, practical suggestions, invaluable insights, rationalizes the provisions of the Charter, comments on its many strengths and some of its shortcomings. Perhaps the most valuable and appealing insight that the author highlights is that the Charter offers a moral message that calls on men and women to treat each other as equal partners, discharge their obligation jointly, and generally behave with consideration towards one another. I would encourage all those planning to get married to study The Singapore Women's Charter: 50 Questions. -- Constance Singam, Writer, Social Activist, Past President of AWARE