Empowerment of Self as an Option for Gender Equality
Respect the individuality in each one of us. Respect lives in all forms.
This is the core message that speaker Dr N Rahdakrishnan wanted to impress upon the 1,000 strong audience at the Women Peace Lecture (WPL) held on June 11 at the Ikeda Culture Auditorium (ICA) of SSA. Guest-of-Honour Ms Irene Ng, Member of Parliament for Tampines GRC; Dr Tan Cheng Bock, former Member of Parliament for Ayer Rajah; HE Mr K Kesavapany, Singapore Ambassador to Jordan and Director of the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies; and Prof Tham Seong Chee, President of the United Nations Association of Singapore; were among the distinguished guests present.
In line with the theme of the WPL this year “The Future is with Women”, Dr Radhakrishnan shared his views on the topic, “Empowerment of Self as an Option for Gender Equality”. The theme of the WPL is a well-known quotation by the father of Indian Independence, Mohandas Karamchad “Mahatma” Gandhi. Mrs Rosy Nakhoda, Former President of the University Women’s Association Singapore, chaired this year’s WPL.
In appreciation for their friendship and support towards SSA, Chairman Ong Bon Chai presented the SSA Friendship Award to Dr Radhakrishnan and Professor Tham Seong Chee.
In her closing speech, SSA Vice-General Director Sandra Sin offered her heartfelt appreciation for all present that day. Ms Sin quoted from SGI President Ikeda’s essay “Lesson of WWII All About Empathy” (published in the Straits Times, August 15, 2005), that “women are natural peacemakers” and “soft power, knowledge and self-compassion” are the keys in building harmony. Therefore, it is necessary that women not only have to understand themselves better but it is also vital for them to take pride in themselves.
(SSA Times issue 240)
