History and Milestones

Our Heritage

Singapore Women's Association (SWA) started as Siglap Girls' Club in 1954 to serve the needs of underprivileged girls in Singapore. With the establishment of the People's Association in 1960 to oversee activities for the Youth Movement, we decided to change our association name officially to SWA and shift our focus on empowering and helping women and the elderly. SWA was also known as 'Persatuan Wanita Singapura' during the days of Singapore’s merger with Malaysia. Since its inception, SWA had been rendering voluntary services to help to make Singapore a peaceful, happy and prosperous homeland for Singaporeans.

Throughout the years, we have started many initiatives and projects to create a better quality of life for everyone. Key on-going charity work includes the Singapore Vision Care Programme (free eye care/ eye screening for elderly), Annual Charity Dinner (anchor fundraising campaign for beneficiaries), Athena Academy (social enterprise to empower women in professional/ personal growth training) and many others.

SWA is also affiliated with the Singapore Council of Women’s Organisation (SCWO) and is a member of the National Council of Social Services (NCSS).

Milestones

45th Annual Charity Dinner 2022

2022

Project Symrise expansion

2022

SWA Symrise Project Rebuild

2021

First Online NDP Celebration at Ren Ci Community Hospital

2020

Launched Online Laughter Yoga

2020

Digital Transformation Project

2020

Stephanie Yong has been appointed as chairperson for SVP

2018

Hosted 22nd Federation of Asia Pacific Women's Association Convention in Singapore

2016

SWA elected the 4th President, Ms Lee Li Hua

2016

Participated Miss Asia Pacific International and Miss Tourism Queen of the Year International

2016

Partnered with ACES Club on National Day Celebration to Nursing Home

2015

SWA secured franchise of Miss Supranational

2015

SWA President, Sara Mei Woo elected FAWA President 2014-2016

2014

Initiated SWA Project Literacy. Education Through Theatre.

2013

Participated Macau Sports Festival from Macau Sports Bureau

2011

SWA Project Literacy volunteered by Miss Singapore International 2008, Tok Wee Ee.

2009

Launch of Project Taking Charge for women in shelter homes

2008

SWA accepted partner invitation with Braddell Heights CC, IRCC

2007

Secured Sponsorship from SPC on CNY lunch for the elderly

2005

SWA Wellness Programme launched

2004

Partner to Project I Care initiated by NWCDC

2004

SWA hosted the 16th FAWA Convention in Singapore

2004

Launch of Project I Care at Francis Villa Home for the Aged

2003

Sara Mei Woo was elected 3rd President, SWA.

2002

Organised a 'Film Benefit' to raise funds for the underprivileged children in Nepal

2002

Revised the Mission Statement to reflect the changing times.

2000

SWA President Susy Chia-T'Sai elected FAWA President.

2000

SWA undertook a project to help the under-privileged children in Nepal.

1999

SWA promotec child safety at the Child Safety Centre at KK Women's and Children's Hospital.

1997

Organised the Association's 1st Family Walk fund raising project

1997

Promoted public awareness of cornea donation

1996

Launched SWA Project Literacy for the underprivileged children in Nepal

1996

Sara Mei Woo, SWA Rep with SCWO for Beijing Platform.

1995

Moved from Tan Boon Liat building(NCS) to Serangoon Office

1993

First in-house publication – “Contact".

1992

Mrs Susy Chia-T'sai elected SWA 2nd President

1991

Launch of Singapore VisionCare Programme (SVP)

1990

Hosted FAWA 7th Convention in Singapore

1986

Represented the UN 3rd World Conference in Nairobi

1985

Launch of Family Digest, Editor Mrs Seow. Funded Asia Foundation

1985

President Mrs Seow Peck Leng re-elected FAWA President

1984

A session on “Dangerous Littering" was jointly conducted by the SWA and National Safety Council

1984

Organized a workshop on "Towards A Golden Age" for senior citizens

1983

SWA organized a 3-tier family camp-workshop

1983

Hosted Federation of Asia Pacific Women's Federation 5th Convention in Singapore

1982

Organised Miss Singapore International and Miss Singapore Young International

1981

Founding Member of Singapore Council of Women's Organisation

1980

President Mrs Seow Peck Leng elected FAWA President 1980-1982

1980

Started CNY lunch for the elderly

1977

SWA established a Women's Year Scholarship's Fund to help deserving students.

1975

SWA organised a Christmas appeal

1975

SWA established links with similar organizations from abroad

1975

Organised first Beauty Pageant

1975

SWA to present its views & recommendations on drug abuse among the youths

1974

SWA conducted a Forum on Motivations and Juvenile Crime and Delinquency

1973

SWA initiated White Cane Club and Recreation Centre

1973

SWA organised a seminar on the Women's Charter.

1972

Peranakan Wedding @Victoria Theatre

1970

Promoting Racial Harmony & Understanding

1968

Conducted survey on "New Life in New Home"

1965

Siglap Girls' Club became Singapore Women's Association

1960

One of the Founder members of the Federation of Asian Women's Associations, headquarters in Manila

1956

Founded as Siglap Girls' Club

1954