V.K. SANTOSH KUMAR
The High Commission of India (HCI) in Singapore has expanded its efforts to support Indian women (from India living in Singapore) with the launch of a new Women’s Knowledge and Awareness Series, an initiative designed to equip them with practical skills and information to navigate everyday challenges and build greater confidence and resilience.
The inaugural session, held on July 31 under the aegis of the HCI’s One Stop Centre (OSC), attracted around 120 participants for an evening of expert-led talks on financial literacy, legal awareness, mental health and psychological well-being.
The programme marks the latest milestone for the OSC, which was established by the HCI in December 2025 to provide timely, confidential and compassionate assistance to Indian women (from India) in distress in Singapore.
Over the past seven months, the centre has supported around 60 women through telephone calls, WhatsApp enquiries, in-person consultations and continued follow-up, dealing with issues ranging from domestic and marital disputes to emotional distress, legal concerns and financial challenges.
Speaking at the launch, India’s High Commissioner to Singapore Shilpak Ambule said the initiative reflects the mission’s continued commitment to the welfare of the Indian community.
“The High Commission of India remains committed to ensuring the welfare of Indian nationals in Singapore. We launched the One Stop Centre to provide a dedicated support platform for Indian women in distress. Now, with this Knowledge Series, we are trying to raise awareness about important aspects like financial literacy, mental health and well-being,” he said.
He added that similar awareness programmes are also being developed for Indian migrant workers in collaboration with community organisations and stakeholders.
Among those welcoming the initiative was Ms Mugda Godbole, a certified Neuro-Linguistic Programming expert and psychologist, who described it as an important step towards empowering women.
“The Women’s Knowledge and Awareness Series initiative is a highly valuable and reassuring experience as it covers topics on financial planning and helps Indian women in distress with counselling. It provides multiple essential services and guidance, all available under one roof, which makes the process seamless, efficient and accessible,” she said.
Unlike many crisis intervention services, the One Stop Centre aims to provide long-term, holistic support. Every case is individually assessed, with assistance extending beyond immediate intervention to include legal guidance through empanelled lawyers, referrals for psychological counselling, coordination with Singapore government agencies, access to medical care, temporary shelter and repatriation assistance where necessary.
The HCI has also established a collaborative network involving social service agencies, healthcare professionals, counsellors, legal experts, shelters and volunteers to ensure women receive comprehensive and timely assistance.
The impact of the centre can already be seen through the lives it has touched.
In one case, an Employment Pass holder experiencing marital difficulties sought legal guidance from the OSC. The centre explained Singapore’s legal framework, provided contacts of empanelled lawyers and helped her better understand her legal rights and emotional well-being. Armed with this information, she was able to seek professional legal advice and work towards resolving her marital issues.
Another woman approached the OSC after experiencing domestic abuse and severe emotional distress. Besides providing a safe and confidential environment for her to share her concerns, the centre connected her with counselling services, encouraged self-care and guided her on maintaining financial independence through her own business. She also received practical advice on managing her business, enabling her to regain confidence and move towards long-term resilience.
According to the HCI, these cases demonstrate how timely intervention, empathetic guidance and coordinated support can help women rebuild their lives with dignity and confidence.
The Women’s Knowledge and Awareness Series forms part of the OSC’s broader outreach strategy. Future sessions will cover a range of topics related to women’s safety, welfare and empowerment, while the centre also plans to strengthen partnerships with professional bodies and community organisations so that more Indian women are aware of the support available before problems escalate into crises.
The HCI has encouraged any Indian woman in Singapore facing abuse, exploitation or other forms of distress to seek assistance through the One Stop Centre, assuring them that every request is handled with strict confidentiality, compassion and respect.
santosh@sph.com.sg
