Bittersweet Women’s Day 2025 Reflections on “Empowerment”

Honestly, I wasn’t particularly enthusiastic about Women's Day this year. Over the past year, my perception of "women’s empowerment" has been challenged by experiences of hypocrisy, double standards, assumptions, and an unwillingness to engage with diverse viewpoints. I’ve witnessed women—especially minority women—resort to judgment, harassment, and extremity rather than meaningful dialogue. Ironically, some individuals advocate for dignity, integrity, and justice. I say this not with anger but with deep sadness at the disempowerment I have witnessed.

I’ve seen how people felt the need to confront or advise me—yet did not extend the same to some men engaged in similar situations or engagements, not so different from mine. Somehow, my openness, honesty, and willingness to engage in complex conversations became a problem, merely because my perspective differed from what is considered "accepted by a community".

This past year has been a stark reminder of the challenges a woman can face if she thinks independently. While I respect everyone's right to their own opinions /judgments about me, I struggled to comprehend the hostility, online harassment, and abusive behavior—especially when it came from those who claim to champion justice and equality. What troubled me most was their unwillingness to accept that I would not engage in conversations rooted in condescension and demeaning rhetoric. It's rather shocking when they forget my right to shut myself from online bullying that has been productive for no one. Strange how women's empowerment advocacy built over the years dies in these situations.

Online bullying of women takes many forms, sometimes even from within our own communities. Too often, the response we receive is a resigned acceptance—that this is simply the price of "being out there." Again and again, we are told, "That’s just the way the world is."

Yet, a woman who thinks for herself—who refuses to conform blindly and instead reasons based on her own experiences and understanding—has always faced challenges, whether in past generations or in today’s world shaped by technology and AI.

The negativity has come from only a tiny, insignificant minority, whom I chose to shut off because it did not serve any good purpose. I have remained strong, thanks to the support of incredible women who inspire me with their open-mindedness, resilience, and ability to navigate friendships and conversations respectfully, being a consoling voice.

Siti Ismail, Sister Nargis Banu, Aathira Unnithan, Leeran Gold (Lee Is), Avigail Spira, Jasmine Kolano, Far'ain Jaafar and Shahrany Hassan.

There are many more to name, but these women have significantly strengthened me—whether by supporting my charity work, engaging in difficult conversations, or simply being powerful women without bias.

And, of course, everything feels possible when you return home to strong women—my sister, sisters-in-law, daughter, and mother.

Sending love to all the fantastic women at Hope Initiative Alliance and Sowing Care Together, especially our Young Leaders Council. A special shoutout to Lina Yunos, Joyder Ng, and Li Ling,for being unwavering support pillars.

Lastly, I want to recognize some men who have helped me stay strong and grounded: Paul Hedges, Leonard Sim, Darren Mak, Sarabjeet Singh Masson Shaun, Guillaume Levy-Lambert and Yoni Garbourg.

Thanks to these men and women, I have learned to focus on those who encourage me to stay curious and embrace critical questions—especially the ones that challenge me and push me beyond echo chambers and biases. That, to me, is true empowerment as a woman.

I must also acknowledge Manvinder Kaur (from MCCY) and Priyanka (from OPSG), whose work is behind the scenes at hash.peace’s unConference was genuinely impactful. Also, a special mention to Kavitha Krishnan whose work with DADC, empowering women with unique abilities, has been very inspiring, and Priya Mohan, whose work for migrant workers is uplifting.

Happy Women's Day. May we, as women, continue to find the courage to think critically, form our own conclusions, and stand by our beliefs with clarity and conviction. This is what we have fought for—and what we must continue to uphold.