To truly ‘Embrace Equity’, we should all strive to be fair and inclusive for all individuals, regardless of their background, identity, or circumstances. The significance of this is highlighted for International Women's Day 2023 — equity is the goal, and equality is the means to get there.

To commemorate the International Women’s Day 2023, Brickfields Asia College organised an event where 3 leaders, Sitpah Selvaratnam, International Arbitrator, Advocate and Author, Amanda Kong, Community Advocate for Persons with Disabilities, Make It Right Movement and Fadillah Yakin, President, Society for the Severely Mentally Handicapped (SSMH) and Assistant Secretary, Free Food Society (FFS) shared their personal story and anecdote of how embracing equity has impacted their lives, be it at home or at work.

Sitpah Selvaratnam: Embracing equity essential for women’s career and personal development

With over 30 years of private practice and highly ranked in legal publications, Sitpah spent a good part of her life conducting pro bono training and workshops for the professional development of lawyers, advising on reform and best practices within the legal system and commercial industries as well as parenting and living skills for young adults.

In her perspective, equity refers to ensuring that everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed. It recognises that different individuals may require different levels of support or resources to fulfil their ambitions. In the workplace, this means that women should have equal access to training, development, promotional opportunities and they should not face any barriers due to gender bias or discrimination.

The event also celebrated her book launch titled “Resolved! 8 Strategies to be a Fiery Lawyer without Violating Your Integrity and Personality". If you are curious , or could do with suggestions to handle stress, emptiness or  competing demands, have a read HERE!

Amanda Kong: Look At Ability, Not Disability

For Amanda, equity is the promotion of diversity and inclusion to ensure people with disabilities are able to fully participate in other activities and are included in the society.

A firm advocate for the rights of the differently abled, Amanda has participated in various awareness campaigns and fundraisers to promote a positive relationship between society and the special needs community. Her personal mantra that “perseverance is the key to success” led this young scholar to win the Cambridge Outstanding Learner Award for Top Student in the World for A-Level Law in 2013, making her the first visually impaired student in the history of the CIE A-Level programme to do so.

“Law is a really good platform for visually impaired people like me, because we can use the law to argue for our rights. After all, if we don’t help ourselves, who will? 

“It will be surprising for many people that people with disabilities don’t actually need much, because with the right environment we can actually perform well and be productive. One of the organisation that I can see assisting the special needs community is the Make It Right Movement,” said Amanda

It is a CSR initiative by Brickfields Education Group to address an evident opportunity for individuals involved in the rewarding yet arduous arena of social good - to work in a more conscious and synergistic way.   

Fadillah Yakin: Tap into the knowledge of those with more experience

Fadillah explained that mentoring is an essential tool for the advancement of women in every field, and International Women’s Day is an excellent time to reflect on its importance. Whether you are a seasoned professional or just starting out, there is always something to learn from someone else.

Women have come a long way in terms of equality, but through mentoring, it can play a significant role in addressing some of the obstacles women face in their lives.