YWLC’s International Women’s Day 2025 Celebrations: “Take the Leap”
- Young Women's Leadership Connection
- Mar 31
- 5 min read
On 8 March 2025, YWLC celebrated International Women’s Day (IWD) with the theme “Take The Leap” where participants were empowered and encouraged to take the lead towards gender equity.. The event was held in partnership with anchor sponsor, Manulife.
Impactful Leadership, Lasting Legacies
International Women’s Day is about celebrating women’s progress and achievements, and the event’s theme was also a nod towards every woman’s journey in being empowered to take action. The event started with YWLC’s Chairperson, Yvonne Mak, announcing the launch of YWLC Elizabeth Sam Fund. The Fund will be used towards YWLC’s flagship mentorship programme, in order to facilitate female mentorship and continue to impact the professional journeys of young women. Mentorship was highlighted as a key resource that women can tap on in order to grow professionally, towards the pursuit of greater gender equity. It is a core pillar of YWLC and serves as an opportunity for cross generational learning and creates opportunities for women to go higher and further. Participants were encouraged to consider one’s own personal journey, and what is the impact one wishes to leave as a woman or for women.
In her opening remarks, Leah Ng - Chief Bancassurance Officer, Co-Chair of DEI Council of Manulife Singapore, encouraged women to venture into the unknown with faith and courage, and to be an advocate for our beliefs. Leah shares that “taking a leap” may not require drastic changes but instead through consistent daily steps working towards one’s aspirations.
A Fireside Chat with Minister Gan Siow Huang
One of the many highlights of IWD featured a fireside chat with the Guest-of-Honour Minister of State, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Manpower, Ms Gan Siow Huang, moderated by YWLC’s Vice Chairperson, Casherine Goh.
MOS Gan shared her thoughts on inspiring gender equity in the workplace and at home. She shared more on the legal developments and support to safeguard against discrimination, and to provide more support to working mothers and families which aim to drive better equity outcomes.
MOS Gan also shared practical, personal insights on how one could take the leap in advancing equity in the workplace and at home. Her poignant anecdotes on juggling her multiple commitments moved the audience and left us with much to think about. Some key takeaways from the fireside include:
To create a more inclusive society, practice active listening without judgment and respectful, open communications to challenge conscious and unconscious bias.
Look for equal partnership and allies. Gender roles may evolve as society changes - women should look to have open conversation and shared responsibilities with their partners. Behind every successful woman is a strong man, vice versa.
Proactively seek mentors and mentorship. Through their experience and wisdom, mentors may help to unpack problems, challenge assumptions, assess reality, create awareness of self, then help to develop goals and action plans. Mentors can be the bridge to a multi-generational workforce, by helping mentees to maximise potential and to grow purpose.
Create opportunities to build networks and upskill oneself to ensure employability over a lifetime. Skills change lives.
Choose your battles wisely, manage personal and other expectations to maintain good relationships. Strive to find peace in your decisions and be clear about why you choose to do what you do. At the end of the day, the people we are on this journey with matter.
MOS Gan ended her segment with an encouragement to “be brave, be bold and be you!”
Panel Discussion: A Dialogue on Equity’s Past, Present and Future State
Moderated by YWLC member, Hemaa Sekar, the panel discussion featured three leaders from the private and public sectors and explored Singapore’s progress to gender equity. The panelists called for equal opportunities across industries and reinforced the importance of building strong communities/allies for career success.
In relation to the evolution of and challenges faced in gender equity, each speaker shared the following key messages to speak up and advocate for equal opportunities; to be bold and embrace opportunities, even if one does not feel adequately qualified.
Leah Ng, Chief Bancassurance Officer and Co-Chair, DEI Council of Manulife Singapore, shared her experience in the financial sector and highlighted the importance of a needs-based approach to gender equity, urging women to believe in themselves and push forward despite biases.
Dione Song, Chief Executive Officer of Love, Bonito, shared her experience from fast-growing tech startups. She spoke about the need for women to be intentional, creative and strategic in breaking into male-dominated spaces. She noted that inclusive, flexible work arrangements, accelerated by COVID-19, have been crucial in leveling the playing field.
Noorfarahin Ahmad, 1st Vice President of Singapore Council of Women's Organisations, shared her experience in the non-profit sector and stressed the importance of building women’s capabilities and knowledge. She emphasised the need for women to be bold in asking for opportunities and challenging their limits, noting that strong leaders uplift others.
All panelists emphasised on the importance of building a community of women and allies to support equity. To do so, their suggested actionable steps echoed that of MOS Gan Siow Huang’s - to create more equity, start by fostering strong, respectful communication at work and at home.
Human Library: Personal Stories, Universally Actionable Steps
In the "Human Library" segment, participants engaged with speakers in intimate breakout circles, which fostered candid discussions on equity. Speakers facilitated conversations on topics around leadership, life transitions, inclusive workplaces and building networks. Participants walked away from the discussions with practical tips and actionable advice to ignite change and drive positive impact in advancing equity.
Grace Kerrison led group discussions on building your personal board of directors
Christine Amour-levar shared insights on navigating cultural norms & increasing understanding
Supriya Rao Patwardhan discussed how to overcome unconscious & conscious biases
Sharon Wong dispensed advice and experiences on managing life’s transitions
Michelle Khoo touched on overcoming self-doubt & balancing assertiveness
Katrin Pfende enlightened with guidelines on sustainable leadership & preventing burnout
Community Booths: Conversations with the Community
A unique feature this year was the community booths. Throughout the event, participants engaged in conversations with five female-founded businesses: Blood, Moom, Artsynibs, Jammy’s and Nodspark. The female founders and representatives inspired attendees with their “take the leap” moment of transforming their visions into realities. These trailblazing entrepreneurs shared their journeys of resilience and courage with the attendees. Goodies were not just the products, but more importantly, the connections forged with the female founders.
Taking the Leap and Lead in Advancing Equity
Throughout the event, participants also adorned a collaborative art installation with notes of wisdom. The canvas served as a vibrant testament of our collective knowledge.
Closing off the event was an atmosphere of direction and determination. "Take the Leap" was more than just a celebration; it was a call to action. It urged each of us to work towards greater equity in our spheres of influence. Participants left with a note from the canvas to remind them to take courage as they return about their weekend.
We wish to extend our heartfelt gratitude to MOS Gan, our esteemed speakers, our generous sponsor Manulife, community partners, allies and all participants who were a part of making this event a success.
Together, we continue to march to the beat of our own drums while bravely sharing our rhythm with others in singing equity’s chorus.
Event speakers: Minister of State Ms Gan Siow Huang, Leah Ng, Dione Song, Noorfarahin Ahmad, Grace Kerrison, Supriya Rao Patwardhan, Sharon Wong, Christine Amour-levar, Michelle Khoo, Katrin Pfende
