In celebration of International Women’s Day, TAP honors eight remarkable mothers in Singapore who have dedicated their lives to social impact and advocacy. These women have not only championed causes like mental health, gender equality, environmental sustainability, and maternal well-being but have also balanced these efforts with the responsibilities of motherhood. Their work has transformed communities, influenced policies, and created lasting change in Singapore and beyond.
1. Anthea Ong – Mental Health Advocate and Former Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP)
TAP Spotlight on International Women’s Day: 8 Mums in Social Impact & Advocacy | Image from Wikipedia
Anthea Ong is a tireless advocate for mental health and social inclusion. As a former Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP), she pushed for policies that improved mental health support systems, workplace inclusivity, and social well-being.
Beyond her parliamentary work, Anthea has founded and led multiple social enterprises, including Hush TeaBar, Singapore’s first social movement that empowers the deaf and individuals with mental health conditions by integrating mindfulness practices with employment opportunities. She also spearheaded the WorkWell Leaders Initiative, encouraging corporate leaders to prioritize mental wellness in the workplace.
Her mission continues through public speaking, mentorship, and policy advocacy, ensuring that mental health remains a national priority.
2. Corinna Lim – Champion for Gender Equality
TAP Spotlight on International Women’s Day: 8 Mums in Social Impact & Advocacy | Image from Peak Singapore
Executive Director, Association of Women for Action and Research (AWARE)
For over a decade, Corinna Lim has been at the forefront of gender equality advocacy in Singapore. As the Executive Director of AWARE, Singapore’s leading gender rights organization, she has pushed for legislative reforms to combat workplace discrimination, sexual harassment, and domestic violence.
Under her leadership, AWARE successfully launched:
The Sexual Assault Care Centre (SACC) – Singapore’s only specialized service for sexual violence survivor
The Workplace Harassment and Discrimination Advisory Service – offering legal support to employees facing unfair treatment
Research and advocacy campaigns that have influenced national conversations on gender equality
Corinna is also a lawyer and social innovator, continuously working to create a more inclusive and just society for women.
3. Roshni Mahtani – Empowering Parents & Advocating for Maternal Health
TAP Spotlight on International Women’s Day: 8 Mums in Social Impact & Advocacy | Image from Tatler Asia
Founder & CEO, theAsianparent | Women’s Empowerment Advocate
Roshni Mahtani is a media entrepreneur and changemaker who founded theAsianparent, the largest parenting platform in Asia, reaching more than 35 million parents monthly.
Beyond providing parenting resources, Roshni uses her platform to advocate for maternal health, parental leave policies, and gender equality in workplaces. She is also the founder of Asian Parents for Climate Action, highlighting the intersection of parenting and environmental responsibility.
Through her leadership, Roshni has influenced corporate and government policies that benefit families, from flexible work arrangements to better maternity protections.
4. Theresa Evanoff – Promoting Charitable Giving & Sustainability
TAP Spotlight on International Women’s Day: 8 Mums in Social Impact & Advocacy | Image from Empirics Asia
Founder, Gift-It-Forward
Theresa Evanoff believes in teaching children the value of giving back. She founded Gift-It-Forward, an innovative social enterprise that allows individuals to combine personal celebrations with charitable giving.
Instead of traditional birthday gifts, users can allocate a portion of their celebration funds to charities, encouraging sustainable giving habits among children and families.
Beyond her platform, Theresa works closely with nonprofits and sustainability initiatives, ensuring that giving becomes a long-term practice rather than a one-time act.
5. Sharon Wong – Supporting Working Mothers & Entrepreneurs
TAP Spotlight on International Women’s Day: 8 Mums in Social Impact & Advocacy | Image from Tatler Asia
CEO & Founder, Motherswork
Sharon Wong understands the struggles of working mothers firsthand. That’s why she created Motherswork, a one-stop retail and community platform that supports mothers with high-quality baby products, parenting resources, and networking opportunities.
More than just a business, Motherswork has evolved into a safe space for moms, providing career guidance, workshops, and advocacy for work-life balance.
As an active mentor and investor, Sharon is also dedicated to helping women-led startups and mompreneurs succeed in business while managing their family responsibilities.
6. Nurul Jihadah Hussain – Empowering Minority Women in Tech
TAP Spotlight on International Women’s Day: 8 Mums in Social Impact & Advocacy | Image from Tatler Asia
Founder, The Codette Project
Nurul Jihadah Hussain is on a mission to close the gender and racial gap in tech. As the founder of The Codette Project, she has created a safe and inclusive space for minority women to learn coding, data science, and digital skills.
Her initiative provides:
Free coding bootcamps and mentorship programs
Workshops on entrepreneurship and financial literacy
Scholarships and career support for underrepresented women
Through her advocacy, she challenges the stereotype that tech is only for men, proving that Muslim women and other minorities can excel in the industry.
7. Susan Chong – Leading the Green Movement in Business
TAP Spotlight on International Women’s Day: 8 Mums in Social Impact & Advocacy | Image from Tatler Asia
Founder & CEO, Greenpac
Susan Chong is a pioneer in eco-friendly packaging solutions. Through her company, Greenpac, she has revolutionized the packaging industry by creating sustainable, lightweight, and reusable materials for businesses.
Her commitment to environmental sustainability has earned her multiple global awards, and she actively encourages businesses to adopt greener practices.
Beyond corporate sustainability, Susan advocates for climate education in schools and supports initiatives that empower women to lead in the green economy.
8. Halimah Yacob – Champion for Social Justice & Gender Equality
TAP Spotlight on International Women’s Day: 8 Mums in Social Impact & Advocacy | Image from Tatler Asia
Singapore’s First Female President (2017-2023) | Advocate for Women & Workers’ Rights
Halimah Yacob’s journey from humble beginnings to Singapore’s highest office is nothing short of inspirational. As Singapore’s first female president, she prioritized affordable healthcare, employment rights, and gender equality.
Before her presidency, she was a trade union leader and a strong advocate for low-income workers, single mothers, and the elderly.
Some of her key contributions include:
Strengthening protections for female workers and domestic helpers
Championing childcare affordability and workplace flexibility
Advocating for equal opportunities in education and leadership
Her lifelong dedication to public service and social justice continues to inspire women across generations.
Celebrating Women Who Make a Difference
These eight incredible women prove that motherhood and advocacy go hand in hand. They have paved the way for change, improving lives through their work in mental health, gender rights, sustainability, tech, and social justice.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let’s continue to support and uplift women in social impact and advocacy. Their dedication not only transforms communities but also empowers the next generation of changemakers.
