She For She
T Singapore: The New York Times Style Magazine|March 2021
We speak to three women in Singapore who are trying to improve the lives of women — and all other gender identities — through their work.
Hillary Kang
She For She

THE PANDEMIC HAS thrown many things into sharp relief, including just how fragile the fight for gender equality is: A 2020 study by McKinsey found that women make up just 39 per cent of global employment, but account for 54 per cent of overall job losses — this, on top of shouldering the bulk of domestic duties. It can seem like a heavy setback, especially in an era fatigued by sluggish change and a seemingly endless stream of depressing #MeToo posts. But that doesn’t mean that women are giving up the fight just yet. We speak to three women who are enacting change — by lifting rural communities out of poverty, by ensuring a safer environment for sex workers, and even by creating comfortable clothes — not just for women, but for all genders.

THE MODEL HELPING AFRICAN WOMEN BUILD THEIR OWN BUSINESSES

Iwani Mawocha is critical of the way many Western countries render aid to the African continent. Or, as the Zimbabwe-born model puts it: “People come into the country, build a well and say, ‘We helped them, but why aren’t they rising out of poverty?’“

The 26-year-old is keenly aware that the “white saviour” trope is well and alive. “The people in Africa don’t need handouts — they need a way to generate income,” she says. “They need people to listen to the community and listen to their needs, instead of having people come in and tell them what they need.”

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM T SINGAPORE: THE NEW YORK TIMES STYLE MAGAZINEView all
Look At Us
T Singapore: The New York Times Style Magazine

Look At Us

As public memorials face a public reckoning, there’s still too little thought paid to how women are represented — as bodies and as selves.

time-read
6 mins  |
March 2021
Two New Jewellery Collections Find Their Inspiration In The Human Anatomy
T Singapore: The New York Times Style Magazine

Two New Jewellery Collections Find Their Inspiration In The Human Anatomy

Two new jewellery collections find their inspiration in the human anatomy.

time-read
2 mins  |
March 2021
She For She
T Singapore: The New York Times Style Magazine

She For She

We speak to three women in Singapore who are trying to improve the lives of women — and all other gender identities — through their work.

time-read
10+ mins  |
March 2021
T Singapore: The New York Times Style Magazine

Over The Rainbow

How the bright colours and lively prints created by illustrator Donald Robertson brought the latest Weekend Max Mara Flutterflies capsule collection to life.

time-read
3 mins  |
March 2021
What Is Love?
T Singapore: The New York Times Style Magazine

What Is Love?

The artist Hank Willis Thomas discusses his partnership with the Japanese fashion label Sacai and the idea of fashion in the context of the art world.

time-read
4 mins  |
March 2021
The Luxury Hotel For New Mums
T Singapore: The New York Times Style Magazine

The Luxury Hotel For New Mums

Singapore’s first luxury confinement facility, Kai Suites, aims to provide much more than plush beds and 24-hour infant care: It wants to help mothers with their mental and emotional wellbeing as well.

time-read
7 mins  |
March 2021
Who Gets To Eat?
T Singapore: The New York Times Style Magazine

Who Gets To Eat?

As recent food movements have focused on buying local or organic, a deeper and different conversation is happening among America’s food activists: one that demands not just better meals for everyone but a dismantling of the structures that have failed to nourish us all along.

time-read
10+ mins  |
March 2021
Reimagining The Future Of Fashion
T Singapore: The New York Times Style Magazine

Reimagining The Future Of Fashion

What do women want from their clothes and accessories, and does luxury still have a place in this post-pandemic era? The iconic designer Alber Elbaz thinks he has the answers with his new label, AZ Factory.

time-read
10 mins  |
March 2021
A Holiday At Home
T Singapore: The New York Times Style Magazine

A Holiday At Home

Once seen as the less exciting alternative to an exotic destination holiday, the staycation takes on new importance.

time-read
6 mins  |
March 2021
T Singapore: The New York Times Style Magazine

All Dressed Up, Nowhere To Go

Chinese supermodel He Sui talks about the unseen pressures of being an international star, being a trailblazer for East Asian models in the fashion world, and why, at the end of the day, she is content with being known as just a regular girl from Wenzhou.

time-read
7 mins  |
March 2021