Women in PAP FTW
Summary
The People’s Action Party (PAP) Women’s Wing is expanding its advocacy to four key areas, careers and leadership, health and well-being, seasons of life, and safety and respect, reflecting changing societal trends such as later marriages and fertility concerns. This shift coincides with a record 29 PAP women MPs in Parliament, which Chair Sim Ann said enhances both representation and opportunities for policy influence. Each area now has its own adviser and head, signalling a stronger focus on policy development and engagement. Newcomer MPs and ministers have been appointed to leadership roles in these groups, which will also review older policies to ensure they stay relevant to women’s evolving aspirations. The Women’s Wing continues to serve as a platform for women interested in politics, aiming to build on its milestone contributions, including its input into the 2021 White Paper on Singapore Women’s Development.
Concepts
Death of meritocracy
At the same time, this case shows that inclusion should not be pursued as a numbers game; when representation becomes a target in itself rather than a means to enrich decision-making, it risks undermining meritocracy by prioritising gender over ability. True progress lies in ensuring that diverse voices are heard because of the expertise, insights, and commitment they offer, not simply because they belong to a demographic group.
The power of representation
The PAP Women’s Wing’s expansion of its advocacy areas illustrates how greater representation can surface perspectives historically overlooked, such as women’s evolving needs around careers, health, and family life. By bringing more female MPs into Parliament, the party has been able to draw on constructive feedback from diverse life experiences, which strengthens and refines policy proposals.