The Singapore Indian Development Association’s (SINDA) inaugural Let Her Shine! Shinespire conference brought together a diverse group of Indian women who shared their achievements and experiences in a bid to inspire the younger generation.
Held at the Suntec Convention and Exhibition Centre on June 22 and themed “Empowered as One!”, it highlighted the strength and resilience of Indian women and also raised awareness about issues concerning them.
SINDA launched the “Let Her Shine!” programme in 2022 to help equip Indian women from ages seven to 35 with necessary tools and knowledge for development and to cultivate a healthy lifestyle and mindset.
It also supports their aspirations and ambitions through education and proactive measures, such as mentoring, skill development programmes and well-being workshops.
During the event, speakers and participants from different backgrounds delved into topics and challenges women encounter in society. There were 15 dynamic talks delivered by 25 speakers who shared their personal journeys. The conference was open to participants of all genders and ages.
Guest of honour Indranee Rajah, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office and SINDA’s president, said “the conference not just empowers Indian women, but all women to reach the things they aspire to”.
She added: “Singapore has continued to make significant progress in providing equal opportunities. Gender equality remains an ongoing focus area for the government. Through education and action, we can build a fair society where Singaporean women are free to express themselves authentically.”
Citing the country’s low fertility rate Ms Indranee mentioned that more support from the community and families is needed to ensure women can excel in their career and also take care of the family.
The conference primarily focused on three areas: holistic wellness, personal growth and professional pathway exploration.
Another focal point was women’s health, where professionals shared valuable insights to address gaps. Open dialogue sessions covered health topics rarely discussed at home, aiming to strengthen family bonds.
One of the speakers Ms Pavithra Venkatesan, 33, who is an executive director at Tech Onshore MEP Prefabricators, said: “It is great that this platform has been created by SINDA. It’s a place for women to see other successful women and those who have experienced difficult situations at work and their personal lives.”
Participant Dilpreet Kaur, 36, who works in the sustainability sector, said: “The session about functional health was really good as it was customised for Indian women. We don’t get such information easily.”
