The Paper is the product of the first whole-of-society review of Singapore women’s development. In September 2020, the Government launched the year-long, nationwide Conversations on Singapore Women’s Development to hear Singaporeans’ views on this fundamental issue, and it continued also on 2021, with 160 conversations held involving a diverse range of nearly 6,000 Singaporeans.

The Conversations were officially closed on 18 September 2021 by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and brought together different groups with diverse experiences, to collectively imagine and work towards a better society for future generations.

As emerging results,   there are still areas where women face barriers and challenges despite many achievements and progress.

The first step in the right direction is to provide equal opportunities in the workplace.

The Government strongly oppose unfair employment practices and discrimination of all forms, including against women, and aims that workplaces reflect societal values of fairness, inclusivity and progressivity.

The Paper suggests six actions to achieve this important goal:

Action 1 to 4 are discussed by the tripartite partners in Singapore.

Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) expressed its concerns about a legislation on right to request for FWAs, considering that that kind of process could add rigidity to the system, for both employers and employees.

It proposes a more practical and sustainable approach to help employers implement FWAs that can meet both business and employees' needs, such as Tripartite Standards and Tripartite Guideline.

They will help employers to improve their employment practices without being too prescriptive and allow progressive employers to differentiate themselves from other employers and better compete for talent.

The other four areas concern the recognition and support of caregivers, protection from violence and harm and other support measures for women, and the need for a change of mentality.

The action plans in the White Paper will be implemented in the coming ten-years and the Government will continue to review and enhance measures with community partners and will conduct a mid-point review in 2027.