Today-May 9
The societal costs of enlisting women into National Service would outweigh the benefits, said Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen. Should women go through mandatory enlistment, it may make manpower shortages in other industries worse, he added. There will also be a decline in the size of the local workforce and a reduction in household incomes. Such cost is unjustified in “sending a signal” or to reverse gender stereotypes, he said. Dr Ng was speaking in Parliament, responding to questions posed by Member of Parliament (MP) for Sembawang Group Representation Constituency (GRC) Poh Li San and MP for Nee Soon GRC Carrie Tan regarding the enlistment of women into NS and the roles of SAF servicewomen and those in senior leadership. In his reply, Dr Ng said that the societal costs of enlisting women into national service would outweigh the benefits. Dr Ng’s response comes after the Government presented a White Paper on women’s development in Parliament in March, to move Singapore towards a fairer and more inclusive society for men and women in workplaces and at home. Dr Ng added, however, that should there be an “existential threat by an aggressor” leading to a “sudden and great need to boost our military”, he is certain that the Government will be called to enlist not only women, but also teenagers and elderly men. He used the example of the recent Russian invasion of Ukraine. Read more at: https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/societal-costs-mandatory-ns-enlistment-women-far-outweigh-benefits-ng-eng-hen-1893391
