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.

- Hillary Kang

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.”