SCWO raises S$450,000 for key programmes helping women, children in need
Star Shelter is Singapore’s only secular crisis shelter, while Maintenance Support Central is a multi-service drop-in centre
[SINGAPORE] The Singapore Council of Women’s Organisations (SCWO) celebrated its 45th anniversary at The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore on Friday (Mar 21) by raising funds for its core programmes – Star Shelter and Maintenance Support Central. It raised more than S$450,000 in total.
Koh Yan Ping, chief executive of SCWO, said: “These programmes provide vital aid to women and children who have experienced domestic violence or face financial insecurity due to marital disputes.”
The funds will also help SCWO expand its outreach, enhance advocacy efforts and support member organisations.
She added: “Domestic violence and financial insecurity can leave long-lasting impact on survivors and their families… These initiatives not only provide immediate relief but also empower survivors towards long-term self-sufficiency.”
Core programmes
Star Shelter is Singapore’s only secular crisis shelter, providing a supportive environment to women and children who are healing from abuse and escaping violence. It addresses the psychological, practical and self-fulfilment needs of its beneficiaries.
“Beyond accommodation, we offer holistic support, including trauma-informed counselling and legal advisory services. This empowers residents to rebuild their lives independently,” Koh said.
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Besides providing basic needs such as food, shelter and daily necessities, Star Shelter offers case management services in collaboration with other agencies, such as safety planning, assistance with applications for protection orders, lodging police reports and other processes. There are therapeutic programmes such as art therapy, counselling and support groups.
Star Shelter also helps beneficiaries become financially independent. This is done through the Rebuild Program, whereby they receive transport allowance, subsidies for work-upskilling courses and funds for setting up a new home. When it comes to employment, the programme helps with job matching, financial support and childcare arrangements.
Another core programme of SCWO is Maintenance Support Central.
Koh said: “(This) is a multi-service drop-in centre dedicated to empowering financially abused women by helping them understand their marital and maintenance rights.”
It provides legal services as well as emotional support, together with its network of community partners.
“Our programme offers assistance with filing for child and/or spousal maintenance, counselling services, legal clinics, court process guidance and educational legal talks,” Koh added.
Maintenance Support Central also provides financial literacy courses to help beneficiaries regain control over their finances.
On both core programmes, the CEO said: “These services uplift women and their children by fostering financial independence, emotional resilience and a sense of empowerment, ensuring them to move forward with dignity and security.”
SCWO also has a support group for single mothers, offering a space for them to share their experiences.
Hall of Fame inductees
SCWO’s anniversary gala on Friday included the Singapore Women’s Hall of Fame induction ceremony, which honoured six women this year. They are Constance Sheares, Vivien Goh and Kamaladevi Aravindan in the arts and culture category, as well as Ivy Ng in health, June Rusdon in business and enterprise, and Liu Bin in science and technology.
The Hall of Fame recognises outstanding women in Singapore who have made an impact in all fields of endeavour and aims to share their stories.
Koh added: “SCWO ensures their stories remain accessible through school programmes, roving exhibitions and talks, sparking conversations and encouraging future generations, especially students… We want future generations to grow up with women role models who exemplify courage, resilience and leadership.”
Later this year, SCWO will once again host the Summit for Action on Gender Equality, which discusses critical issues such as economic empowerment, workplace equity and gender-based violence.
Over its 45 years, SCWO has advocated for women and championed women’s rights through legislative advocacy, research and direct services, “expanding our programmes to meet evolving challenges”, Koh said.
However, she noted that challenges remain. “Women still face barriers in leadership roles; caregiving responsibilities continue to be disproportionately shouldered by women; and financial insecurity among single mothers is a growing concern.”
Koh said SCWO will continue pushing for policies and cultural shifts to advocate for a more inclusive society, especially as Singapore celebrates its 60th birthday this year.
Dr Seow Yian San, president of SCWO, said: “We envision a near future where every woman’s contribution is valued, and their collective strength fuels growth.”
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