A seasoned politician, a family counsellor and a pair of young activists on Monday night became the first recipients of awards honouring them for their work in promoting gender equality. The awards were presented by the Association of Women for Action and Research (Aware).
Minister of State for Community Development, Youth and Sports, Madam Halimah Yacob was named Aware Heroine; marital and family therapist Mr Benny Bong was named the Aware Hero; and the organisers of the campaign to repeal marital rape, Ms Jolene Tan and Ms Wong Pei Chi, were named the Aware Young Wonders at Aware's fundraising gala, which was held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel.
The awards were created this year to mark Aware's 26th anniversary, and aimed to recognise men and women who have broken through gender barriers and helped to nurture a culture of gender equality in Singapore.
Also presented on the same evening was the Alamak! Award, a tongue-in-cheek prize created to highlight instances of sexism. The winner was decided through online voting.
