Woman laws at Singapore
Here’s a structured, up-to-date overview of the legal protections and status of women’s rights in Singapore:
1. Foundational Legal Protections
Women's Charter (1961)
This cornerstone legislation ensures women’s rights in marriage, family, and divorce. It establishes equal spousal obligations, supports fair asset division and child custody, provides for spousal maintenance, and includes safeguards like Personal Protection Orders (PPOs), Expedited Orders (EOs), and Domestic Exclusion Orders (DEOs) to protect against domestic abuse.
2. Protection Against Harassment and Violence
Protection from Harassment Act (POHA)
Covers both physical and online harassment—such as workplace abuse, cyberstalking, or doxxing—with the ability to obtain Protection Orders against perpetrators.
Criminal Code & Marital Rape
Sexual crimes like rape and molestation (“outrage of modesty”) are strictly criminalized. Since January 1, 2020, Singapore has fully criminalized marital rape—abolishing previous immunity under the Criminal Law Reform Act of 2019.
Dedicated Police Response
The government is establishing a specialized Sexual Crime and Family Violence Command to enhance sensitivity and effectiveness in handling such cases.
3. Workplace Rights & Equality
Employment Act Protections
Women are entitled to 16 weeks of paid maternity leave (if eligible), protection from dismissal related to pregnancy, and equal treatment in terms of salary, promotions, and job opportunities.
4. Reproductive Rights
Legal and Accessible Abortion
Abortion has been legal since 1974, making Singapore one of the pioneers in Asia. Terminations are permitted on request up to 24 weeks, and beyond that only if the woman's life or health is in danger. Services must be provided by licensed professionals, and procedures can be subsidized under Medisave. No consent is required from spouses; minors aged 14–16 require counseling, while those under 14 involve parental and police intervention.
Accessibility Challenges
Despite legal permissibility, community discussions note barriers like logistical costs, societal stigma, and mandatory delays before the procedure, which can increase emotional and financial burdens.
5. Support Services & Advocacy
AWARE (Association of Women for Action and Research)
A pivotal NGO, AWARE provides:
A confidential helpline in multiple languages,
Counseling sessions, including free care for sexual assault survivors,
Legal clinics, and
A Befriender service to support women during court or police processes.
6. Leadership & Representation
Advancement in Politics and Society
Singapore ranks highly globally in gender equality, often within the top 10 in the UN’s Gender Inequality Index. Female representation in Parliament has increased to around 29%, up from just 5% three decades ago, achieved without quotas but through supportive policies and societal encouragement.
Summary Table
| Domain | Status in Singapore |
|---|---|
| Family Law & Domestic Protection | Comprehensive under the Women’s Charter, including PPOs, EOs, and DEOs |
| Harassment and Sexual Violence | POHA for harassment; rape and molestation criminalized; marital rape banned since 2020 |
| Workplace Rights | Equal treatment, paid maternity leave protected under Employment Act |
| Reproductive Rights | Abortion legal up to 24 weeks; accessible but with practical barriers |
| Support Services | Robust NGO support via AWARE’s hotline, counseling, legal aid, and befriending |
| Political Representation | 29% women in Parliament; strong progress toward equality without quotas |
Bottom Line
Singapore has developed a robust legal framework ensuring women's rights—encompassing family law, workplace fairness, violence prevention, and reproductive autonomy. Enforcement mechanisms and public awareness continue to improve, while NGO efforts like AWARE fill critical gaps. However, social stigma and practical barriers still limit full accessibility for all.
RELATED Blog
0 comments