Introduction
When Mdm Halimah Yacob became Singapore’s first female President, she was celebrated for breaking ceilings. Yet her true impact goes deeper than titles. Across decades in union work, Parliament, and the Istana, her steady advocacy opened doors for women where it mattered most — in workplaces, families, and communities. This post unpacks seven of her major contributions and what they mean for women today.
From Union Lawyer to National Leader
Halimah’s journey began at the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), where she rose from a young lawyer to Assistant Secretary-General and Director of the Women’s Development Secretariat. Here she fought for maternity protection, paternity leave, and flexible work schemes — policies that still shape the lives of working mothers today.
Her move into politics in 2001 saw her serve as MP for Jurong and later Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC. In 2013, she made history as Singapore’s first female Speaker of Parliament, a role she held until 2017, known for her calm, firm hand in managing debates fairly.
A Presidency with a People’s Touch (2017–2023)
In September 2017, Halimah became Singapore’s first female President and the first Malay head of state in nearly five decades. During her six-year term, she steered clear of pomp and instead brought focus to social issues that touched ordinary Singaporeans — from digital inclusion to mental health, to strengthening social services.
Her flagship effort was the President’s Challenge Empowering for Life Fund, which raised millions to provide training and employment opportunities for vulnerable groups, many of them women. She also launched initiatives like Picnic@Istana, breaking down barriers between leadership and citizens by inviting disadvantaged families to share the grounds of the presidential residence.
7 Everyday Empowerments She Championed
1. Championing Workplace Rights
Halimah was instrumental in pushing laws to protect pregnant employees, expand maternity benefits, and secure paternity leave.
➡ Takeaway: Empowerment is written into workplace rules.
Source: NTUC
2. Encouraging Women in STEM
Through the POWERS initiative, she encouraged more women to take up science and engineering, pairing them with mentors and role models.
➡ Takeaway: Role models can unlock hidden potential.
Source: MFA
3. Empowering Families with Skills
The Empowering for Life Fund provided women and families with training and employability tools, turning welfare into self-reliance.
➡ Takeaway: Real empowerment is capacity, not charity.
Source: CNA
4. Breaking Mental Health Stigma
She became patron of NGOs like Club HEAL and women’s associations such as PPIS, advocating that communities must not sideline those with hidden struggles.
➡ Takeaway: Leadership gives voice to the voiceless.
Source: CNA
5. Opening National Spaces
Her Picnic@Istana initiative opened the presidential lawns to children from less privileged homes, turning a symbol of authority into one of welcome.
➡ Takeaway: Accessibility is empowerment too.
Source: CNA
6. Becoming a Visible Role Model
As first female Speaker and first female President, she embodied what many thought impossible. Her presence showed young girls a different horizon.
➡ Takeaway: Visibility can change a culture.
Source: Wikipedia
7. Calling for Systemic Gender Equality
On global platforms, she urged governments to build gender equality into policies rather than rely on goodwill.
➡ Takeaway: Equality lasts when systems are built for it.
Source: SCMP
Life After the Presidency
When her term ended in 2023, Halimah chose not to run again but continued serving in new ways. She became Chancellor of the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) and remains active with NGOs, universities, and women’s groups. Her voice continues to echo in conversations about inclusive leadership, education, and gender equality.
Conclusion
Madam Halimah Yacob’s story is not just one of breaking barriers but of reshaping everyday lives — the mother who keeps her job through maternity protection, the girl inspired to study science, the family who feels welcome in the Istana. Her legacy is a reminder that women’s empowerment in Singapore isn’t about holding titles. It’s about using every platform to open doors for others.
- Halal Asset Progression in Singapore 2025 – Build Wealth with Fey!
- 7 Hidden Psychological Impacts of Traditional Gender Roles on Middle Eastern Women
