SHE Supports Friendship Circles | 29 June 2024

SHE launched our new programme, SHE Supports Friendship Circles, in collaboration with the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) Women and Family Unit on 29 June 2024.

Over 50 women braved the afternoon heat and traffic disruptions wrought by the National Day Parade rehearsals to come to One Marina Boulevard to attend the pilot session, titled ‘Managing Work and Caregiving’.

The participants included stay-home caregivers contemplating a return to work, those exploring income generating activities, mid-career professionals seeking advice on their next chapter, and also fresh grads looking for some career guidance.

Over the next two hours, they shared their experiences, knowledge and stories, and also sought advice from mentors hailing from different professions.

NTUC Assistant Secretary-General Ms Yeo Wang Ling and SHE Chairperson Ms Stefanie Yuen Thio addressed the attendees and mentors, sharing how the Friendship Circles are part of a wider effort to help support the working lives of women—who face the pressures of persistent gender biases at work and having to fulfil traditional roles as caregivers to both children and seniors.

"There are over 250,000 women who have left the workforce, and we want to create the conditions to support their return," said Ms Yeo, who is also the Member of Parliament for Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC. 

"These Friendship Circles were also specially designed to listen to all of you," added Ms Yuen Thio. "We didn't just want someone mansplaining solutions."

Expect to see more Friendship Circles in the future!