The nominations for Singapore’s first gender equality awards were made by members of the public, as

well as members of AWARE. Each nominee has made a significant contribution to promoting gender

equality. For the judges, the key factors for deciding of the shortlist were the effort and impact of the

nominee’s contribution and the nominee’s identification with gender equality.

The judging panel comprised: AWARE board member and education entrepreneur Lindy Ong, playwright Eleanor Wong, journalist Ong Soh Chin, academic Philip Holden
and ambassador-at-large Professor Tommy Koh.

The winners will be unveiled at AWARE's Big Ball fundraising gala on October 17.

Further details at http://www.aware.org.sg/2011/09/the-aware-awards-here-are-the-nominees/

Founded in 2007, Sayoni is a community of queer women, including lesbian, bisexual and transgender women, who organize and advocate for equality in well-being and dignity regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity and expression. We are looking for a part-time staff member to drive our programs and start new ones. Fresh graduates are welcome – we promise you will learn a lot on the job!

Responsibilities

The Program Executive helps to conceptualize, manage and execute programs for Sayoni, including the following duties:

• Run programs and organize events in line with strategic plan
• Support advocacy for Sayoni's programs and other related issues at the local and international levels
• Engage with relevant state- and non-state stakeholders
• Assist in drafting materials (e.g. for human rights reports)
• Coordinate internal and external meetings
• Create presentations to market programs and proposals
• Provide support for relevant programs as required
• Work for 3–4 days a week for 1 year (from home or otherwise), with the possibility of conversion to full-time thereafter

Qualifications

• Singaporean or PR
• Identifies as queer and feminist, and shares Sayoni’s values
• Interest in/knowledge of SOGIE (LGBTIQ) rights/human rights mechanisms preferred
• Interest in social sciences and humanities research a plus
• Excellent interpersonal and event management skills
• Able to communicate fluently in English
• Willing to travel overseas
• Motivated and able to work independently
• Tertiary qualifications preferred

How to apply

Interested? Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your resume/CV and a cover letter about your skills and background by 31 January 2016.

If you have the right skills, passion and politics, we want to hear from you. Please mention ‘Program Executive’ in the subject line.

To Singapore’s LGBT Community and Friends,

Recent events have caused much grief to many of us. Issues surrounding being LGBT are once again cast in the limelight and being discussed in the media. Hateful words have been used, disinformation has been spread as fact, and our leaders' positions do not appear to be evolving. While many of us are understandably hurt, even angered, by some insensitive comments that have been made, and there is fear that justice and equality may not prevail, it is important that we stay rational and keep calm.

There will be little to be gained from responding to vitriol with more vitriol. In the words of Gandhi, “Anger and intolerance are the enemies of correct understanding.” Let us not devolve into the very image of the angry and intolerant, whose hearts and minds we ought to win over through love and kindness. Misinformation is best countered rationally, with facts.

At times like this, it is especially difficult for those of us who are not yet ‘out’ and feel like we are living with stigma on our own. The issue may be debated among our peers – at the workplace, in school or in National Service – or even with family members at home. It may be placing undue pressure on those of us who fear being ‘outed’ if we simply took a stand.

Remember, you are not alone. There is a strong community of people – straight and LGBT – who understand what you are going through.It is important that we lend support to one another at this difficult time. While the resources are few, they are available, thanks to the efforts of our own community. You can find links to some of them below.