Family & gender — Topics

13 Sep 2021

Statistics on Medically Eligible Pregnant Women who Received mRNA Vaccination and Side Effects Observed

Dr Tan Wu Meng asked about the proportion of medically eligible pregnant women in Singapore who have received mRNA COVID-19 vaccination, the types and frequencies of side effects observed, and how this compares with other countries.
The Health Sciences Authority reported a small number of non-serious adverse events in pregnant women receiving the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, including rash, fainting, dizziness, and one case of temporary Bell’s Palsy, similar to effects in the general population.
There is currently no evidence of safety concerns for mRNA vaccines in pregnant women based on real-world data, and ongoing monitoring of local and international safety data is being conducted.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

13 Sep 2021

Mothers Diagnosed with Post-natal Depression in Past Three Years

Ms Hany Soh asked the Minister for Health about the number of mothers diagnosed with post-natal depression in the past three years and how many were first-time parents.
From 2018 to 2020, an average of about 290 women per year sought care for post-natal depression at public hospitals.
Approximately one-third of these women were first-time mothers.
The data is based on available figures from public hospitals for the specified period.
The response provides a numerical summary without further policy details.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

13 Sep 2021

Data on Muslim Divorce Cases from 2011 to 2020

Between 2011 and 2020, there were 16,456 Muslim divorces registered with the Syariah Court.
The Syariah Court does not classify or track divorce cases by the specific types (talak rajie, talak bain, taklik, fasakh, khuluk) cited by the question.
There were 915 cases where an arbitrator (hakam) was appointed, and less than one percent required a second set of arbitrators.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

13 Sep 2021

Inclusion of LBTQ Women in Upcoming Government White Paper and Steps to Ensure They Are Protected from Discrimination, Hate Speech and Incitement of Violence

Hazel Poa asked whether LBTQ women would be included in the upcoming Government White Paper on Women's Development and what steps would protect them from discrimination, hate speech, and incitement to violence beyond religiously motivated protections.
Masagos Zulkifli stated that public feedback on strengthening protection for all women, including LBTQ women, is being studied and will inform the White Paper.
The government affirmed it does not condone violence, discrimination, or hate speech against anyone, regardless of gender or sexual orientation, and remedies under the Penal Code or Protection from Harassment Act apply when the Maintenance of Religious Harmony Act does not.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

13 Sep 2021

Annual Amount in Maintenance Orders Issued by Tribunal for Maintenance of Parents from 2016 to 2020

Seah Kian Peng asked for a yearly breakdown of Tribunal for Maintenance of Parents orders from 2016 to 2020, grouped by quantum bands of less than $500 and each subsequent $500 increment.
Masagos Zulkifli B M M stated that the Tribunal received nearly 200 applications, with about two-thirds granted maintenance, and 82% of parents awarded under $500 monthly, while 13% were in $500–$999, 4% in $1,000–$1,499, and 1% $1,500 or more.
The Minister added that yearly proportions across bands remained similar and noted the Tribunal considers parents’ needs and children’s ability to pay, may dismiss or reduce claims in cases of abuse or neglect, and can refer parents to social services for additional aid.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

13 Sep 2021

Additional Precautions for Preschools, Childcare Centres and Kindergartens to Prevent COVID-19 Clusters

Ms Joan Pereira questioned the Minister for Social and Family Development on whether additional precautions would be taken at preschools, childcare centres, and kindergartens to ensure greater safety for staff and children amid updated COVID-19 measures.
Masagos Zulkifli B M M affirmed that the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) has evolved strict safe management measures, including restricting access for higher-risk individuals, emphasizing personal and environmental hygiene, and cohorting children and staff to limit movement across groups.
The Minister announced a "Vaccinate or Regular Test" regime for all preschool staff from 1 October 2021, requiring unvaccinated staff to undergo twice-weekly Antigen Rapid Test (ART), alongside surveillance testing for all staff regardless of vaccination status.
To facilitate regular testing and self-monitoring, three ART kits will be distributed to each preschool staff and child from mid-September, enabling quick testing in case of exposure or symptoms, and promoting personal responsibility in health monitoring.
The measures will be continuously reviewed in line with the national posture to safeguard the health of preschool staff and children, emphasizing collective effort and vigilance from the preschool community and parents.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

13 Sep 2021

Update on COVID-19 Vaccination of Pregnant Women

Member Darryl David inquired about the current status of COVID-19 vaccination for pregnant women and the support offered to those with concerns.
Minister Ong Ye Kung acknowledged the question and stated he would provide a combined response on 14 September 2021.
The debate focused on ensuring pregnant women receive clear information and counselling regarding vaccination safety.
The government committed to addressing public concerns through timely and coordinated updates.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

3 Aug 2021

Number of Repossession Notices Issued by HDB in Last Five Years for Owners' Non-compliance with Court Orders for Transfer or Sale of Flat upon Divorce

Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for National Development about the number of HDB repossession notices issued in the last five years for owners' non-compliance with court orders to transfer or sell flats upon divorce.
HDB did not issue any such repossession notices in the last five years.
HDB stated that compulsory acquisition is a last resort and that owners dissatisfied with court orders can seek further legal recourse.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

3 Aug 2021

Plans to Increase Take-up Rate of Caregivers Training Grant and Widen Support for Carers Supporting Elderly or Sick Family Members

The government has enhanced the Caregivers Training Grant by offering more online courses and raising awareness through various channels such as AIC Links, websites, and community partners.
Support for caregivers of elderly or sick family members includes the Caregiver Support Action Plan with community outreach teams, support networks, respite care options, and the Home Caregiving Grant providing $200 monthly cash payout.
A new pilot was launched to provide structured support for caregivers when their loved ones are first diagnosed with dementia.
The Ministry of Health will continue to review and strengthen support measures for caregivers, including those caring for frail seniors or individuals with dementia.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

3 Aug 2021

Percentage of Working Parents Using Both Days of Extended Childcare Leave Each Year in Past Five Years

Louis Ng asked for the percentage of working parents who used both days of Extended Childcare Leave over the past five years and whether the Ministry would collect this data if it were not already available.
The Ministry confirmed that Extended Childcare Leave has been available since 2013 for parents with children aged 7 to 12, providing two paid days per year.
The Ministry provided percentages for working mothers and fathers who took both days of leave from 2016 to 2019, citing Table 1 as the source of the data.
Data for 2020 was unavailable because not all claims had been submitted, as parents can take the leave within a 12-month period and employers have three months afterward to submit claims.
The Ministry did not indicate any plans to start collecting additional data beyond what is already reported.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

3 Aug 2021

Number of Male and Female Prison Inmates with Children under Age of Seven and 18 Respectively

He Ting Ru asked the Minister for Home Affairs for the number of male and female prison inmates in 2020 with children under the ages of seven and 18.
K Shanmugam responded that as of 31 December 2020, there were 9,204 male inmates and 1,162 female inmates.
Among male inmates, 2,224 had at least one child under 18 and 869 had at least one child under seven.
Among female inmates, 508 had at least one child under 18 and 227 had at least one child under seven.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

3 Aug 2021

Empowering Women

Speakers emphasized the need for concrete action plans and policies, particularly in the upcoming White Paper, to advance women's development, including shared parental leave, tax reliefs for caregivers, and support for women returning to the workforce.
The debate highlighted the critical role of men and families in promoting gender equality, with calls to address patriarchal mindsets, involve fathers in caregiving, and shift societal attitudes through education and community initiatives.
Discussions included support for specific issues such as fertility treatments, workplace discrimination, online harms against women, and cultural concerns like the hijab, polygamy, and female genital cutting, stressing the need for dialogue and policy responses.
The motion was amended to affirm a whole-of-society effort to remove barriers to women's empowerment and looks forward to action plans from the government's Women's Development conversations.
Multiple speakers shared personal experiences and stressed that gender equality is a collective societal responsibility, not just a women's issue, requiring legislative changes, mindset shifts, and community partnership.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

3 Aug 2021

Empowering Women

The debate highlighted longstanding bipartisan support for empowering Singapore women, with multiple MPs citing past recommendations that have led to policy improvements in childcare, flexible work arrangements, and skills training.
Speakers emphasized the need for a whole-of-society approach to remove barriers, including promoting shared caregiving responsibilities, increasing female representation in political and corporate leadership, and addressing gender pay gaps.
Economic arguments were presented showing that gender equality boosts growth, with recommendations for more flexible work policies, better childcare support, and corporate transparency on wage gaps to enhance women's workforce participation.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

3 Aug 2021

Empowering Women

The debate highlighted ongoing structural and cultural barriers to gender equality in Singapore, including workplace discrimination, unequal care responsibilities, and the need for greater recognition of women's contributions across all sectors of society.
Speakers emphasized the disproportionate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on women, particularly in caregiving roles, and called for targeted policies to support women's re-entry into the workforce and address financial inequalities in retirement and insurance.
Proposals included anti-discrimination legislation, shared parental leave, flexible work arrangements, and enhanced support for single parents and vulnerable women, with a focus on a whole-of-society approach to empower women and remove barriers to their full participation.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

3 Aug 2021

Special Leave Beyond Usual Childcare Leave for Parents when Schools and Childcare Centres Close for COVID-19-related Reasons

Saktiandi Supaat asked if the Ministry of Manpower could grant special leave beyond existing childcare leave for parents when schools or childcare centres close due to COVID-19, covering the entire closure period.
The Senior Minister of State for Manpower responded that while existing childcare leave and annual leave can be used, enhancing leave could strain employers, and flexible work arrangements are a more sustainable solution supported by tripartite standards.
Saktiandi Supaat followed up, highlighting the high likelihood of closures in an endemic scenario and asking if multi-agencies could consider additional special leave for parents if closures last beyond two weeks.
Dr Koh Poh Koon noted that few countries have introduced extra pandemic-related leave and emphasized that most employers already offer flexible work arrangements, urging cooperation and highlighting the importance of business continuity.
The Minister encouraged employers to be flexible and reminded employees to report any unfair treatment to the Ministry of Manpower or the Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

3 Aug 2021

Annual Number of Single Unwed Mothers

Seah Kian Peng asked for the annual number of single unwed mothers over the last five years and whether there was an increasing or decreasing trend, with Minister of State Sun Xueling providing the exact figures and noting a general decline from earlier years.
Seah also raised concerns about potential policy gaps, especially in housing, and called for a whole-of-government approach to better support single unwed mothers and their children, to which Sun responded by outlining existing financial, caregiving, job support, and housing measures.
Melvin Yong requested a comprehensive study on the disadvantages faced by children of single unwed mothers in education and future employment, with Sun acknowledging the need but stating that the ministry already has ample data from ongoing work.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

2 Aug 2021

Review of Funding Criteria for Cases Handled by Family Service Centres

The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) considers a case at a Family Service Centre (FSC) as "active" and eligible for funding if it has at least one 20-minute casework session per quarter, which can include home visits, case conferences, or calls/videos.
These funding criteria were revised from April 2021 to include remote communication modes like phone text exchanges and emails, reflecting pandemic adaptations.
The Ministry is not currently reviewing the funding criteria, as the existing framework is designed to support FSCs in addressing social needs effectively.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

2 Aug 2021

Measures to Ensure Sufficient Infant Care Centres, Child Care Centres and Kindergarten Places in Each Constituency

ECDA plans for preschool demand by Planning Area, using demographic and enrollment data to coordinate with agencies like HDB and URA to develop new centers in housing projects and on government land.
As demand changes, ECDA regularly reviews plans and works with preschools and HDB to expand facilities in community spaces or vacant land, with a focus on areas with high demand like Punggol and Sengkang.
The government has increased full-day childcare places by 50% since 2015, to about 190,000 places, and will add 10,000 more full-day places by 2023, mainly in new housing developments.
For half-day kindergarten services, accessible and affordable options are provided by Anchor Operators and MOE, with the number of MOE Kindergartens set to grow from 36 to about 60 by 2025.
ECDA continuously monitors and adapts to factors like COVID-19 and changing family needs to ensure adequate preschool provision across all Planning Areas.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

2 Aug 2021

Availability of Familial Ties Lane for Foreign Visitors to Register Marriage in Singapore to Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident

Dennis Tan asked if the Familial Ties Lane is still available for foreign visitors to enter Singapore to marry a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident and what the requirements are.
The Minister confirmed that fiancés/fiancées of Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents can apply to enter under the Familial Ties Lane for marriage purposes.
Applicants must provide supporting documents like appointment letters from the Registry of Marriages or Registry of Muslim Marriages and undergo security and immigration risk assessments.
Approved entrants must comply with prevailing COVID-19 measures, including Stay-Home Notice and swab test requirements.
The response outlines the current availability and procedural conditions for using the Familial Ties Lane for marriage registration.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

2 Aug 2021

Child Development Co-Savings (Amendment) Bill

The Bill introduces new cash benefit schemes for working fathers and adoptive mothers on short-term contracts or whose employment ends before their child's birth or adoption, and extends top-ups for parents who are retrenched or have contracts expire during leave.
It grants birth-linked leave and benefits to parents of stillborn children and allows employers to be reimbursed for voluntarily granting parental leave to employees who do not meet the minimum work period criteria.
The amendments disqualify fathers from childcare and infant care leave for children born from extramarital affairs to align with the policy intent of supporting parenthood within marriage, while enhancing accountability and audit powers for government schemes.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source