To advocate for gender equality

My awareness that women need to be more vocal to spread the words and lobby for causes which benefit women, especially for gender equality matters pertaining to marriages, education, jobs opportunities and many aspects that affect one's quality of living in the society, started when I experienced a terribly failed relationship when he had an affair. It was a difficult time as I had immersed myself into the relationship, expected to be long-term, to be a life-long companion.

At the same time, I began to read up on news and laws for marriages and child adoption etc. in my country when I realised that I am not the only one alone, as many other women faced problems with their engagements and marriages when their partners abandoned them for "new women" in their lives, these women...many whom work or travel over to my country for work, studies or leisure. The women group also started to become more active in fighting for better welfare for women so that women can stand equal to men as attention rises as news of family breakdown resulting in suicide cases, turbulent divorce cases and depressions news were reported whether in the papers or through word of mouth.

It was a wakening moment especially for me who was personally affected by having experienced it myself. I got over it, time can heal "injuries" but the emotional "scars" will not just disappear as the memories linger but I will not go too much into details of how the whole "battle" developed into a "full-blown" one when I had to soldier on and so that I could survive, and not let myself fail which was what the other party would want. It was a mind battle, not only that......

In the midst of all these, finding solutions to solve the problems that came about due to these, keep continuing and I thought to myself, more should be done to help fellow women, whether if the current existing laws could be amended to protect the rights of women in marriages, women should receive more education whether at colleges or to continue their education or to upgrade their skills. It is important that women can be financially or mentally independent so that if anything happens, they can stand up quickly, for themselves and to start afresh. Trusting oneself is more reliant because one will definitely have to care for oneself as this is basic human instinct.

As internet access is easily available in my country, which a city island, Singapore, being active online, to be vocal in forums and related websites, to raise awareness of the happenings to women, is one possible avenue. I also ever joined grassroots group in my country before, to have a physical presence, whether to appeal for myself or women issues in my country.

Experiences ( bad or good ones ) teach us, strengthen us but it has also changed my perspective in life, it is not about bringing emotional baggage but to be more careful in life, even when one can be forward looking in life.