Celebrating Women on International Women’s Day 2022

Women as mothers, wives, sisters, daughters, employees, and leaders, have shaped and made our society better. To celebrate and recognise women’s multi-faceted contributions to society’s progress, March 8 is dedicated as International Women’s Day. This year’s theme is #BreakTheBias, in reference to forging women’s equality by creating a gender-equal world where difference is valued and celebrated, and there are equal opportunities for both genders to pursue their aspirations.

At Go-Ahead Singapore, we support the advancement of women. We have women taking up positions as bus captains and engineers, which are predominantly male-dominated occupations. ?More than 20% of our management team are women. We embrace differences as a diverse workforce brings together different strengths and breadth of knowledge which are vital to enhancing our commuters’ experience.

Meet 41-year-old Agnes Boo, an Assistant Training Manager who has been with Go-Ahead Singapore for six years. She shared her thoughts about a woman who inspired her, what success means for a woman and the challenges therein.

1.?What is your role at Go-Ahead Singapore?

I ensure that all bus captains are well equipped with skills and knowledge to perform effectively. I also develop training materials and train new hires. It is uplifting to see trainees, particularly those who are new to driving or the industry, progress well and become capable bus captains.

2. Have you faced any barriers in your career due to being a woman? How did you overcome them??

Ten years ago, there were lesser opportunities for women compared to men, especially when they reached the age of getting married or childbearing, based on my experience. For instance, at a job interview then, we were asked questions like “Are you getting married”, “Do you intend to have children” etc. Such questions made me feel that my work capabilities played a second fiddle to my personal/family commitments. Men, too, face factors that could potentially affect their work commitments like reservist training and family matters.

Public transport has traditionally been a male-dominated industry, I have come to realise that when we prove through actions that we possess the skills and knowledge to perform our jobs, people will naturally acknowledge our contributions. To win the trust of all trainees, I make sure that I know my work well and am fully prepared for classes.

I am glad that today, more companies are increasingly acknowledging women as valuable assets. For example, at Go-Ahead Singapore, female bus captains are entitled to six months of maternity leave in recognition of their contributions to the company’s progress, and to encourage more women to join the profession.?

3.?What is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers??

Live your life for yourself, not for someone else.?

To break any perceived social stigma, we often work harder to achieve the same recognition as men. In striving to excel, we can enjoy our lives. If we live for ourselves, learn as much as we can, and do our best, people will respect us irrespective of gender.?

4.?If you could have dinner with an inspirational woman, who would you choose and why??

I admire Oprah Winfrey. Oprah overcame poverty and racial discrimination to become the first black woman billionaire in the world. Beyond wealth and accolades, she is a pioneer in the women empowerment movement and a philanthropist with a special focus on education.