How Women Can Excel In A Male-Dominated Industry

Working in an environment where male opinions and actions take precedent has never been easy for women. Here, The Weekly‘s Great Women Of Our Time past nominees and winners share their take on how women can make their mark in industries that are typically dominated by the opposite gender

https://www.womensweekly.com.sg/gallery/great-women/women-can-excel-male-dominated-industry/

image

Photo: Pixabay

"Many young women in the finance industry have told me that a role model allows them to know it is possible to excel in their career, especially in a male-dominated field."

image

– Trina Liang-Lin, Vice-president, Financial Women’s Association, Great Women Of Our Time 2005 Finance & Commerce winner

“Through trial and error, I’ve realised the boxes that confine us are made by ourselves, not others.”

image

– Melissa Lam, Marketing Director of Kosmic Film Entertainment Company, Great Women Of Our Time 2006 Arts & Media nominee

(On being keen to see more women in the army) “Despite SAF being male-dominated, advancement is based on merit and I hope my contributions show that gender is no obstacle.”

image

– Jennifer Tan, Regimental Sergeant Major, Ministry of Defence, Singapore Armed Forces, Great Women Of Our Time 2006 Education & Public Service nominee

(When a potential employer asked why he should hire a woman instead of a man) "I walked out and went to work for another company. I realised I had to choose my battles and find another place to be happy.”

image

– Norma Sit, Founder, Red Art Liveworks/KinderArts, Great Women Of Our Time 2006 Arts & Media winner

“If you’re a man in the real estate business, half the battle is won. Hayden (her company) is run by women and we are the new kid in the block. Hence, we have to be different and creative to stand out."

image

– Leny Suparman, Executive Director, KOP Capitol Pte Ltd, Great Women Of Our Time 2008 Finance & Commerce nominee

“I learned to be firm, fair and reasonable. I used both soft and hard approaches to inculcate discipline and motivate staff through rewards.”

image

– Annie Gan, Managing Director, Jian Huan Group, Great Women Of Our Time 2008 Most Inspiring Woman award winner

“Being in a male-dominated industry meant I sometimes had to work harder than my competitors to earn respect. I had to lead by example.”

image

– Susan Chong, CEO, Greenpac, Great Women Of Our Time 2009 Science & Technology nominee

“Women have had to make their voices heard in a society that has mostly been, male-dominated, and since the balance was addressed in the 70s, we’ve continued to show the world what we are capable of.”

image

– Dr Lynette Tan, Curator, Singapore International Film Festival 2010; Associate Faculty at SIM University; Adjunct Faculty at SMU, Great Women Of Our Time 2010 Education & Public Service nominee

“Women and men should not be viewed differently, especially if you’re in an industry traditionally dominated by men. Rise above it, and channel a ‘disadvantage’ into an opportunity.”

image

– Irene Ang, Founder and CEO, FLY Entertainment, Great Women Of Our Time 2010 Arts & Media winner

“I want to change mindsets that women are less capable in any way, be it in design or potato farming!”

image

– Fang Siwei, Teaching faculty, Faculty of Visual Arts, SOTA, Great Women Of Our Time 2012 Design & Style nominee

“When I was younger, there was a significant male favouritism at home. I was a girl and I asked many questions, so I was subjected to ‘corporal punishment’. But that only made me stronger!”

image

– Dr Madeleine Chew Him Lim, Founder and Managing Director, MW Medical, Great Women Of Our Time 2012 Science & Technology nominee

“Gender stereotypes are so deeply ingrained in our culture that we often accept them unquestioningly. We must learn to analyse and rethink these narratives. It has been an uphill task to break gender norms – but that’s necessary and gradually gaining ground.”

image

– Mrinalini Venkatachalam, Head of Public Awareness and Youth Initiatives, Singapore Committee for UN Women, Great Women Of Our Time 2015 Education & Public Service nominee

Privacy Menu

How Women Can Excel In A Male-Dominated Industry

Influential Singaporean women share their take on how females can make their mark in industries that are typically dominated by the opposite gender

Privacy Menu

How Women Can Excel In A Male-Dominated Industry

Influential Singaporean women share their take on how females can make their mark in industries that are typically dominated by the opposite gender

SHARE THIS ON

What’s Hot

Don't Miss Out Ever Again!