It's tough being a woman in Singapore today. In the spirit of International Women's Day, celebrated on March 8, Benita Aw Yeong talks to three very different Singaporean women.
Cheong Tsui Ling, 39
Full-time mum
Her children call this mum "teacher". Madam Cheong home-schools her five kids, aged two to 12.
The ex-primary school teacher turned full-time mum chose to tutor her children at home because she wanted them to be able to "learn at their own pace".
The kids follow a curriculum designed in the US.
A staunch Christian, Madam Cheong lives with her husband, a civil servant, in their five-room flat in Pasir Ris.
Describe your day
I wake up at about eight or nine every morning and pray for about 15 to 30 minutes before I start my day.
In between making meals for my family, I supervise my children's work, make sure they follow their schedules and read to my youngest child.
At about 7pm, the whole family has dinner together.
The kids usually sleep by about 9.30pm.
At what age did you feel most comfortable in your own skin?
This question is difficult to answer because I have never tried to be someone I'm not.
What is one stereotype people have about women which irritates you?
That we're the weaker sex.
Each gender has a different role to play, and each has its own strengths and weaknesses.
What is one make-up item/beauty treatment you can't live without?
I put on only moisturiser and sunblock before I leave the house.
What is one rule all women should live by?
Invest your time in things which will last and leave a legacy. From a faith perspective for me, these are things which have eternal value.
This article was first published in The New Paper.
