There is still a way to go in bridging the gender gap. Despite accounting for almost half the working population, women in Singapore make up less than one-third of boardroom representation. As of June 2023, they only hold about 23 percent of board seats in the top 100 listed companies here.
While diversity—and by extension, gender diversity at the senior leadership level—has been recognised as a business imperative, gender stereotypes are still stumbling blocks, says Georgette Tan, chair of BoardAgender. Founded in 2011, the nonprofit backed by the Ministry of Social and Family Development makes it its mission to advance women on boards in Singapore.
But there are comforting prospects. Regulations pertaining to greater governance, term limits, and ESG reporting have enabled more women to take on board roles across a range of organisations, which rewards both groups.
“Women bring diversity of thought and experience. They are adept at strategy development, communication, problem-solving, monitoring, and corporate social responsibility,” explains Tan. “They also provide valuable insight on female customers and have different spheres of influence.”
BoardAgender pursues measures through a six-month mentorship programme that imparts knowledge on governance, board dynamics, and directorship, and provides one-on-one coaching by experienced board directors. To date, it has placed 19 women on over 40 boards and committees of commercial organisations, industry associations, charities, and nonprofits.
In her role, Tan works closely with the committee to develop programmes that further drive their aim. Besides leading partnerships with organisations so that the mentees can step up to board roles, she oversees dialogues on topical issues around women on boards.
But this is just a fraction of her advocacy efforts towards gender equality and women’s empowerment in Singapore. She is also president of United Women Singapore and a board member of Singapore Council of Women’s Organisations and SG Her Empowerment.
Her former professional titles include senior VP of communications at Mastercard, VP of communications at CNBC Asia, and VP of communications at Dow Jones Asia, so she understands the changes that need to be implemented for women to better thrive in corporate environments.
Some headway has been made but more can be done, she asserts. This includes creating equal opportunities in the workplace, narrowing the gender wage gap, strengthening the pipeline of female leaders, increasing the number of women on company boards, addressing domestic violence, and easing the burden of caregiving responsibilities.
It helps that the White Paper on Women’s Development unveiled by the government in 2022 reflects a shared vision towards a fairer, more inclusive society.
“The only way we are going to progress is when we co-operate. Corporate organisations, government bodies, and civil society need to come together to ensure women get every opportunity to fulfil their full potential.”
Georgette Tan on the furtherance of gender equality
While her days can be long and challenging, the vision keeps Tan going. “Yes, I get tired, but when your work involves purpose and a goal higher than yourself, you find the strength to push on.”
She also wants to give back. “All my years in the public and private sectors have brought me to this point. Whether it’s helping young women prepare for their first jobs or supporting women on their board journey, I am fortunate to be doing what I’m passionate about.”
Art director: Ed Harland
Videographer: Alicia Chong
Photographer: Mun Kong
Photographer’s assistant: Hizuan Zailani
Makeup: Ying Cui
Hair: Aung Apichai
