Why getting men to step up at home is a national issue

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Singapore has just finished a year of discussions on gender equality issues, culminating in a White Paper on Singapore Women's Development that included, among other issues, how to have a more equal sharing of household responsibilities between women and men.

The caregiving burden falls disproportionately on women, which explains why a significant part of the White Paper deals with ways to support and recognise caregivers.

"The hidden load: How 'thinking of everything' holds mums back", described this as invisible, unlimited labour that might hold working mothers back from doing extra hours at work, which contributes to the gender pay gap.

those who carry out such work suffering financial losses that affect them through the entire life cycle, including in their old age. This can then lead to them becoming dependent on family, community or state resources to finance their ageing.

"Good daughters of today should not become the impoverished elderly of tomorrow."

Public education and discussions that normalise men who are caregivers of family members, or involved fathers, can help shift mindsets over time.

the disproportionate share of unpaid care work borne by women is a critical barrier to their employment and economic empowerment."

The White Paper has put a sharp focus on several key gender equality issues relevant today, including the unfair caregiving burden on women; online sexist bullying of women; and sexual harassment and assault of women.

Qn: In your society, how far is equality for all a reality? (Cam. 2012)