Empowering Mums 8 (EM8)

Empowering Mums is coming back for its eighth run in November! The newly revamped EM8 programme will feature 6-weekly sessions from 8 November to 14 December 2024.

With the continued support from constant and new content providers and programmes sponsors, the mothers will guided through a journey with skills-based workshops and facilitated group work sessions. These sessions seek to enable the mothers’ self-discovery and empower them to find employment and thrive emotionally and socially.

EM8 Nov 2024 – Dec 2024 Programme Schedule

The programme schedule is as follows:

Date & Time

Programme

Content Partner

8 November 2024 (Fri)

6 pm – 9.30 pm

EM8 Launch Dinner: Finding your Strengths Session, Programme Briefing & Graduates’ Sharing

Ms Josephine Ong from R&D Education and Training, YWCA, EM Graduates

16 November 2024 (Sat),

9 am – 1 pm

YWCA *Group Work Session & Reality of Job Hunting Workshop

YWCA, Ms Livia Lee from Top Employers Institute

23 November 2024 (Sat)

9 am – 1 pm

YWCA Group Work Session & Resume Writing Workshop

YWCA, Barbara Crane

30 November 2024 (Sat),

9 am – 1 pm

YWCA Group Work Session & Dress with Success Workshop

YWCA, Image Mission

7 December 2024 (Sat)

9 am – 1 pm

YWCA Group Work Session & Interview Skills Coaching Workshop

YWCA, Image Mission

14 December 2024 (Sat)

9 am – 3 pm

EM8 Makeover & Graduation Ceremony

YWCA, Makeover Partners & Communality Partners.

 

*Comprises of socioemotional group learning of skills and concepts such as self-esteem, positive reframing, growth mindset, emotional regulation, etc.

Venues: YWCA Fort Canning, 6 Fort Canning Road S179494 & YWCA National Office, 254 Outram Road, S169051

Childminding support (for children above 2 years old) is offered for participating mothers who need it throughout the 6 weeks.

Further Support

Mothers can look forward to invitation to career fairs and access to employment opportunities with YWCA, Chye Thiam Maintenance and many more. Additionally, mothers can also join us for other upskilling programmes (e.g., digital literacy) and journey with a group of like-minded women who come from similar backgrounds in our continuous support group – Empowering Circles – initiative that is led by mothers for mothers.

Registration

To register for EM8, please click here to check the eligibility criteria and registration process. You can also access our application form here.

Special Thanks

YWCA can continue its goal of serving mothers from marginalised backgrounds through the Empowering Mums programme due to the generous contributions of our sponsors. We are also deeply thankful to our new and returning content providers who are graciously contributing their time and expertise to equip and enable mothers to realise their potential and improve their employability.

YWCA would also like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the donor behind the Bamboo Lotus Fund for supporting our women empowerment efforts.

 

Project Sponsors:

   

 

Content Partners:

R&D education and training services logore:top livia lee Logoimage mission logo                    

Her hands slightly trembling but her face resolute, Fathima, a mother of two, sat down for our interview as she will graduate from the 10-week-long YWCA Empowering Mums programme with 6 other mums today.

It is a big day for these mums as they have undergone several workshops designed to empower them and prepare them for the next step in their back-to-work journey.

We first met Fathima in August 2023 when we were delivering dry rations for our Sustenance for Families programme. Shy and speaking only in short sentences back then, Fathima now radiates confidence, a testament to the progress she’d tirelessly worked for.

You’ll be surprised at the difference in demeanour and candour. We’re proud of her confidence in communicating her thoughts and feelings. It is truly impressive!

Contents


From ‘No, I cannot’ to ‘Yes, I can!’

As we continued our conversation, she excitedly tells us how she can ‘handle all things just by sitting down to think’ and that she now ‘knows where to find help’. Her enthusiasm is infectious! (We can’t help but break into a smile as we recall our conversation.)
 

“Come to learn. Learn about yourself and learn how to solve problems! You will become confident.”
 
– Fathima

 
What stood out were the lessons learnt and exemplified in Fathima’s life – She doesn’t let stresses or worries upset her. Instead, she works through situations in a calm and collected manner. She even told us that her daughter loves the positive change she sees. Fathima expresses that ‘every problem has a solution’. What a powerful mindset!

Fathima with her daughter


A Community of Women Empowering Women

The Empowering Mums programme brought together a group of initially unfamiliar faces, including Fathima, and Rasidah. The trainers and partners, some mothers themselves, nurtured this group into a supportive community. The lessons learned in the workshops went beyond hard skills; they included building bonds, overcoming negativity, and fostering personal growth.
 

“Push yourself to attend the workshops. Though you may feel overwhelmed by situations – whether your kids falling sick or having to attend school events, or even waking up early to attend the course. Do your best to make it because it is worth it!”
 
– Nadia

 
Nadia*, who discovered YWCA through HCSA Spin, found a community where like-minded individuals supported and related to each other. The safe space allowed them to share problems openly in a safe space. Nadia, once introverted, now beams with self-confidence. She’s learnt to speak up without fear, dress better, and face interviews with newfound assurance.

For Rasidah, this was a journey of stress management and positive change. The community helped process thoughts, and shared experiences became a source of encouragement.

Beyond the programme, Nadia and Rasidah are planning to embark on a weight loss journey together, emphasizing accountability, friendship, and mutual motivation. Their post-graduation plans include maintaining their support network together!

Rasidah

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Empowering Mums Graduation

Our mums about to enter the graduation hall!

10 weeks of introspection, learning and forging bonds have passed, leading our Empowering Mums course participants to this very moment of graduation. They have gained skills in Emotional Intelligence, Mindfulness and Financial Literacy. And best of all? They’re ready to take on more of Life’s challenges.

A sense of excitement and anticipation filled the air as these remarkable women, radiating confidence and dressed in their finest, readied themselves to step onto the stage.

Entering Peace Room with heads held high, our graduates took the stage, recounting their personal stories of struggle, resilience, and ultimate triumph.

Their speeches reverberated with passion and inspiration, holding the audience in attention.
 

“You will become confident. Believe that you can change your life!”
 
– Rasidah

 
As the last words echoed, a thunderous applause erupted, evolving into a heartfelt standing ovation—a collective acknowledgment of the courage and resilience displayed by these women. Surveying the applauding crowd, our graduates felt an overwhelming surge of pride and accomplishment washing over them.

Our Empowering Mums graduates embracing their children

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EM7 Employer’s Meet-and-Greet

The YWCA EM7 Employer’s Meet-and-Greet session was organised to help candidates find suitable employment opportunities. Established organisations like NTUC, Bata, Accor and Alexandra Hospital were among some of our partners offering flexible work arrangements, incentives, and on-the-job training to support these mums.

Employer's Meet-and-Greet

Image 1 of 3


About Empowering Mums programme

The Empowering Mums project equips back-to-work mums from low-income families with life and work skills to improve their employability from a holistic view.

The project runs free support group work and employability skills workshops over 10 weeks, culminating with a professional makeover, graduation ceremony and meet-and-greet session with potential employers.

After graduation, six monthly post-project sessions are held to further support mothers on their journey of self-driven change.

Throughout the sessions, meals, transport and childminding (for children above 2 years old) are provided to participating mothers so they can attend with a peace of mind.


The Impact of Empowering Mums programme

Giving marginalised women the tools and resources they require to advance will encourage a generation of strong, tenacious women who can guide and motivate their families and communities. It also illustrates the role the YWCA can play in empowering and supporting women in our local community.


Special Thanks

The Empowering Mum 7 programme would not have been made possible without the support from our sponsors, content and community partners. Thank you for your faithful support!

Our community partners

Partners:

manulife

Content Partners:

amplify point logoimage mission logo


Support Us

We hope to support and uplift more women into discovering their true potential and helping them find employability through our Empowering Mums project.

If this cause resonates with you and you would like to support, click here to volunteer, or click here to donate.

If you would like to contribute as a partner or sponsor future projects, please contact us at csp@ywca.org.sg.

*Names have been changed to protect privacy

“We are encouraged by the outcome of the overall sales and the support we have received from the community. It gives us hope as we know that our skills and hard work are appreciated, and we can continue to brainstorm more ideas to create more beautiful products that people love…” – Lily, Weaving Facilitator

Behind the innovative designs of our woven products that were well-received at our pop-up booths lies a team of committed weavers who worked hard to create new and functional products that appeal to people from every corner of life. Across four locations- JPMorgan Corporate Office, Tiong Bahru Community Centre, International Baptist Church and The Art Faculty @ SG Enabling Village- where our booths were situated, the response was heartening as several of our products found new homes and our weaving workshops garnered numerous sign-ups.

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The Inspiration Behind Our Products

In the heart of our mission to empower our community lies the YWCA Weaving Programme – a social enterprise that empowers women from the marginalised community, equipping them with skills to not only create woven products for sale but also facilitate workshops with confidence. Through this programme, our Weaving Mums earn a flexible income that allows them to balance their caregiving duties while supplementing their household earnings.

A range of woven bags on sale at the JPMorgan pop-up

Our pop-up booths were stocked with one-of-a-kind products, created with love by our talented Weaving Mums and volunteers. It was a hub for people who were looking for unique items that could not be found elsewhere. From handcrafted accessories made by our board member, Ms Tan Kee Leng, to table runners, sling bags and scarves made by our Weaving Mums – each product exuded its own unique character.

“We are encouraged by the outcome of the overall sales and the support we have received from the community. It gives us hope as we know that our skills and hard work are appreciated, and we can continue to brainstorm more ideas to create more beautiful products that people love…” said Lily, a Weaving Mum.


More Than Just Giving Back

In addition to providing an avenue for our Weaving Mums to showcase their talents and earn a living, the YWCA Weaving Programme has also become a platform for raising awareness about the challenges faced by women in our community.

Extending beyond contributing to the well-being of the marginalised, weaving is a therapeutic art form that provides a sanctuary for mindfulness and self-expression. It serves as a retreat from the everyday stresses, and it is an accessible art form of self-care for anyone. There is no hard or fast rule to weaving, and it fosters a sense of joy and ease of skill development, which proves especially beneficial for those grappling with mental health issues and individuals with special needs.

Ms Indranee Rajah exploring the craft at our pop-up booth at Tiong Bahru Community Centre Christmas Festival

Our weaving team at the Tiong Bahru Community Centre Bazaar pop-up booth is all smiles!

Weaving is embraced by both the young and old, offering a creative outlet that knows no limits. Partaking in the weaving programme is not only a way to empower the marginalised community, but it is also a means of practicing self-care.


Expanding Our Reach

We are grateful to JPMorgan, SG Enable, Tiong Bahru Community Centre, and International Baptist Church, for their support in making our pop-up booths a success. We appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with them and showcase our unique products at their events.

Our Community Service Programme Senior Manager, Ms Anne Chew receiving a certificate of appreciation from Tiong Bahru MP, Ms Indranee Rajah

In the coming months, we are looking to collaborate with more organisations so that we can continue to inspire more women to pursue their dreams and never give up on themselves, no matter how difficult the road ahead may seem.


Support Us

If you missed our pop-up booths last December, don’t worry! Our handcrafted products and stylish apparel are still available for purchase on our e-shop.

Follow the link to browse our wide range of products and make a difference with every purchase!


Empowering Mums 7 (EM7) is opened for Registration!

Given the success in re-commencing the Empowering Mums last year, we are pleased to share that the annual EM programme is back for its seventh run.

With the continued support of our sponsors and longstanding content partners, the EM7 programme will feature ten weekly sessions from 24 November 2022 to 3 February 2024.

Mothers will embark on a transformative journey through workshops and activities meticulously curated for them to provide them with tools, knowledge, and support needed for them to thrive at work and various domains in their lives.

The programme schedule is as follows:

EM7 2023 – 2024 Programme Schedule

Date & Time

Programme

Content Partner

24 Nov 2023 (Fri)

6 pm to 9.30 pm

EM7 Launch: “Embark on your Journey” session, Project Briefing & EM6

EM7 Launch: Graduates Sharing (Family Invited)

PlayLab, YWCA, EM6 Graduates

2 Dec 2023 (Sat)

9 am to 1 pm

Group Session 1

EQ and Mindfulness workshop

YWCA, Ennove Consultancy

9 Dec 2023 (Sat)

9 am to 1 pm

Group Session 2

Stress Management workshop

YWCA, Two Point Zero

16 Dec 2023 (Sat)

9 am to 1 pm

Group Session 3

Stay on T.O.P – Time Management, Organization and Prioritization workshop

YWCA, Barbara Crane

22 Dec 2023 (Fri)

6 pm to 10 pm

Group Session 4

Financial Literacy workshop

YWCA, Manulife

6 Jan 2024 (Sat)

9 am to 1 pm

Group Session 5

Reality of a Job Hunt workshop

YWCA, reQuest Asia Pte Ltd

13 Jan 2024 (Sat)

9 am to 1 pm

Group Session 6

Resume Writing workshop

YWCA, e2i

20 Jan 2024 (Sat)

9 am to 1 pm

Group Session 7

Dress for Success workshop

YWCA, Image Mission

27 Jan 2024 (Sat)

9 am to 1 pm

Group Session 7

Interview skills coaching workshop

YWCA, e2i

3 Feb 2024 (Sat)

9 am to 3 pm

EM7 Graduation and Makeover Ceremony (Family Invited)

YWCA, Content, Makeover and Community Partners

*Weekly workshops and support group sessions might be subjected to changes.
Venues: YWCA Fort Canning, 6 Fort Canning Road S179494 & YWCA National Office, 254 Outram Road, S169051

Registration

For registration, please click here to check the eligibility criteria, referral process and download the application form.

Special Thanks

The Empowering Mums programme is made possible thanks to the gracious and generous contributions of our sponsors who share our goal of empowering women. We are also deeply grateful to our new and returning content providers for supporting us in our journey to help mothers from marginalised backgrounds better their lives and reach their fullest potential.

Project Sponsors:

   

 

Content Partners:

Play Lab logore:Quest Logoimage mission logoTwo Point Zero logoManulife logo                      

               

“I had a colourful past, but it doesn’t determine who I am today. I hope to be a source of hope and support for those who are going through the same struggles as I did.”
– Pei Ling, EM6 Graduate

 

Contents:
      1. Empowering Mums 6 (EM6) Roundup
      2. Our Impact
      3. EM6 Employer’s Meet-and-Greet
      4. About the YWCA Empowering Mums Programme
      5. EM6 Project Schedule
      6. Special Thanks
      7. Support Us

 

Empowering Mums 6 (EM6) Roundup

At the Empowering Mums 6 (EM6) Graduation Ceremony, a palpable feeling of excitement and anticipation permeated the room as these powerful women, looking their best, prepared themselves to go on stage. They had spent weeks reflecting on the challenges and triumphs that had brought them to this moment and were prepared to share their stories with loved ones who were eagerly awaiting their arrival.

Our graduate getting dolled up by a volunteer from Image Mission

 

EM6 graduates walking into Peace Room with their heads held high, exuding their newly discovered strength and confidence

 

Our graduates receiving their certificates from our YWCA President, Ms Janet Tan, for completing the Empowering Mums programme

 

Our graduates entered the room with their heads held high, exuding their newly discovered strength and confidence. They took to the stage one after another, sharing their stories of struggle, perseverance, and triumph.

EM6 Graduates expressing their gratitude and sharing their stories of struggle, perseverance and triumph with the audience

 

One graduate from the EM6 programme, Peiling, shared, “I had a colourful past, but it doesn’t determine who I am today. I hope to be a source of hope and support for those who are going through the same struggles as I did.”

Their speeches were passionate and inspiring as the guests listened intently. As the speeches came to a close, the guests rose to their feet and gave these women a standing ovation in recognition of their courage and resilience. Our graduates looked over the crowd, feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment.

One of the content partners, Ms Barbara Crane, said, “I was very impressed by the desire I saw in the group to continuously learn and devote their lives to care for their children and extended families. Children watch us and learn from our example and the example the ladies set is foundational. In my view, there are two things which can help in furthering their growth: willingness and consistency. I commend this group for their commitment demonstrated and for continuing their journey to further independence and being such a great example of strength and self-worth, despite many challenges and difficulties.”

The Empowering Mums programme has been a major source of support and empowerment for back-to-work mothers from low-income families since its inception, and we are proud to have played a role in our graduates’ journey of self-driven change.


Congratulations to all our EM6 graduates! Well done!

Click here to watch our Empowering Mums 6 graduation video.

 


Our Impact

Giving marginalised women the tools and resources they require to advance will encourage a generation of strong, tenacious women who can guide and motivate their families and communities. It also illustrates the role the YWCA can play in empowering and supporting women in our local community.

Cherry, an EM6 graduate, said, “The programme is meaningful to me because going through the 10 sessions, I get to meet other mums in similar situations as I am, and I believe they are extremely strong and encouraging.”

The EM6 project saw all 10 mothers graduate with a high attendance rate of 80%-100%, of which 57% have secured a job since enrolling in the programme.

The success of the Empowering Mums programme is a testament to the power of women’s empowerment. Charmaine, a social worker from Singapore Aftercare Association said, “I’ve watched my client grow into a more confident lady with a higher sense of self-esteem and I’m also glad that it has enabled her to become more motivated and clearer in the goals she has set for herself.”


EM6 Employer’s Meet-and-Greet

Held on 25 March 2023, the YWCA EM6 Employer’s Meet-and-Greet session was organised to help candidates find suitable employment opportunities. Established organisations like Fairprice, Alexandra Hospital and Watson’s were among some of our partners offering flexible work arrangements, incentives, and on-the-job training to support these mums.

“Most candidates are back-to-work mothers, so we need to be understanding towards their backgrounds, and we have to share the positions that are flexible and suited to their needs,” said Annie from Fairprice.

EM6 Employers’ Meet-and-Greet

Our Empowering Mums 6 graduates felt this Meet-and-Greet session was fruitful and informative. Cherry added, “Flexible timing is important to me because I have two young children, one with mild Autism (ASD), and I’m a single mum. I like how some of these employers offer to pay bonuses even for part-timers.”

 


About the YWCA Empowering Mums Programme

The Empowering Mums programme is a powerful initiative to transform the lives of mothers from marginalized backgrounds. Our beneficiaries often face significant barriers to employment, including a lack of skills, experience, and socioeconomic challenges that make it difficult for them to secure meaningful employment.

In this programme, women are equipped with essential employability and soft skills to succeed in the workplace and in life. Through a series of empowerment workshops, they are taught to identify their strengths and set achievable goals to set them on a journey of self-driven change. The workshops cover a range of important themes, such as Emotional Intelligence, Mindfulness and Financial Literacy, which promote mental well-being and a sense of control in their lives.

Following each workshop are support group sessions that run in tandem to the workshops to provide a safe space for mothers to share and journey together. These sessions help the mothers become more aware of their resources, values and accomplishments and are an important source of support and encouragement.

To encourage consistent attendance, Halal food, one-way transport, and childminding services are provided to help these mothers focus on their journey towards empowerment.

 


 

EM6 Project Schedule

Date/Time 

Programme 

Content Partner 

18 Nov 2022 (Fri),
7 pm to 9.30 pm 
 

EM6 Launch: Ice-breakers, Project Briefing & EM5 Graduates Sharing (Family invited)  
YWCA, EM5 Graduates, Content and Community Partners  

26 Nov 2022 (Sat),
9 am – 1 pm 
 

Workshop 1*: Finding Your Mums’ Power  
Amplify Point  

3 Dec 2022 (Sat),
9am – 1 pm 
 

Workshop 2* Financial Literacy  
Manulife  

10 Dec 2022 (Sat),
9am – 1 pm 
 

Workshop 3*: EQ and Mindfulness  
Ennove Consultancy  

17 Dec 2022 (Sat),
9am – 1 pm 
 

Workshop 4*: Reality of a Job Hunt  
re:Quest Asia  

7 Jan 2023 (Sat),
9am – 1pm 
 

Workshop 5*: Dress for Success 
Image Mission  

14 Jan 2023 (Sat),
9am – 1pm 
 

Workshop 6*: Stay on T.O.P – Time Management, Organisation and Planning  
Barbara Crane  

28 Jan 2023 (Sat), 
9am – 1 pm  

Workshop 7*: Mobile Job Search & Win the Search Workshop 
e2i  

4 Feb 2023 (Sat),
9am – 1 pm 
 

Workshop 8*: Interview Coaching  
e2i 

11 Feb 2023 (Sat),
9am – 1pm 
 

Graduation, Makeover and Employers Meet-up  

YWCA, makeover partners, employment partners  

*Weekly support group sessions facilitated by YWCA  

EM6 participants participating in a Financial Literacy workshop

 

Goal-setting workshop for our participants to help them manage their time

 

Resume-writing and mock interview skills for our EM6 participants

 

To further support our participants on their journey of self-driven change and employability, YWCA hosts 6 monthly post-project sessions which cover topics such as communication strategies, and relationship management.

Our Board Member, Ms Sim Hwee Hoon, presenting the mothers with tokens of appreciation.


Special Thanks

The Empowering Mum 6 programme would not have been made possible without the support from our sponsors, content and community partners. Thank you for your faithful support!

Partners:

  manulife

Content Partners:

amplify point logo  image mission logo                        

               


Support Us

We hope to support and uplift more women into discovering their true potential and helping them find employability through our Empowering Mums project.

If this cause resonates with you and you would like to support, click here to volunteer, or here to make a donation.

If you would like to contribute as a partner or sponsor future projects, please contact Anne Chew at csp@ywca.org.sg.

 

 

From Zoom sessions with our beneficiaries to the unprecedented success of the YWCA Charity Carnival, here’s a look back at our year in 2022!

Thank you very much to all of our Volunteers, Corporate Partners and Guests for making a difference to our Beneficiaries with your support!

Registration for Empowering Mums 6 is opened!  

As the COVID-19 situation in Singapore stabilizes, we are pleased to announce that the annual Empowering Mums (EM) Project is back for its sixth run after a two-year hiatus. With the support of our sponsors and content partners, EM6 Project will host ten weekly sessions from 18 November 2022 to 11 February 2023.

The project schedule is as follows:

 

2022 – 2023 Project Schedule  

Venues:
YWCA Fort Canning, 6 Fort Canning Road S179494 &  YWCA National Office, 254
Outram Road S169051
 

Date/Time 

Programme 

Content Partner 

18 Nov 2022 (Fri),
7 pm to 9.30 pm 
 

EM6 Launch: Ice-breakers, Project Briefing & EM5 Graduates Sharing (Family invited)  
YWCA, EM5 Graduates, Content and Community Partners  

26 Nov 2022 (Sat),
9 am – 1 pm 
 

Workshop 1*: Finding Your Mums’ Power  
Amplify Point  

3 Dec 2022 (Sat),
9am – 1 pm 
 

Workshop 2* Financial Literacy  
Manulife  

10 Dec 2022 (Sat),
9am – 1 pm 
 

Workshop 3*: EQ and Mindfulness  
Ennove Consultancy  

17 Dec 2022 (Sat),
9am – 1 pm 
 

Workshop 4*: Reality of a Job Hunt  
re:Quest Asia  

7 Jan 2023 (Sat),
9am – 1pm 
 

Workshop 5*: Dress for Success 
Image Mission  

14 Jan 2023 (Sat),
9am – 1pm 
 

Workshop 6*: Stay on T.O.P – Time Management, Organisation and Planning  
Barbara Crane  

28 Jan 2023 (Sat),  

9am – 1 pm  

Workshop 7*: Mobile Job Search & Win the Search Workshop 
e2i  

4 Feb 2023 (Sat),
9am – 1 pm 
 

Workshop 8*: Interview Coaching  
e2i 

11 Feb 2023 (Sat),
9am – 1pm 
 

Graduation, Makeover and Employers Meet-up  

YWCA, makeover partners, employment partners  

*Weekly support group sessions facilitated by YWCA  

Registration  

For registration, please click here to check the eligibility criteria and download the registration form.  

Special Thanks  

YWCA would like to express our deepest appreciation to our sponsors who has made this Project possible through their generosity and to our partners for joining us in supporting the Mums for the upcoming Empowering Mums programme.   

Sponsors 

          

Partners:  

                                                

 

 

Into its fifth annual project run, Empowering Mums 5 (EM5) continued YWCA’s work of supporting more women on the journey to better empowerment and employability from 1 November 2019 to graduation on 11 January 2020. A new timing was explored on Saturday mornings with a fresh batch of mums and children joining us. Once again meals, one-way transport and childminding services under the Empowering Kids programme were prepared to provide peace of mind for attendees with the dedicated support of our partners and volunteers. The following infographic details the resources gathered for EM5 families:

With the EM model garnering a steady 85% and above success rate at mums finding or maintaining employment and/or upgrading their skills around six months after graduation, EM5 presented nine employability skills workshops and seven support group sessions by our partnering facilitators. As before, the project aimed to first meet mothers where they are at in terms of knowledge and skills, transfer these to the employability context, provide strategies to overcome barriers to employment, and nurture their sense of personal agency through the support group setting.

We are so proud of the 13 mums who graduated in early 2020 and look forward to their continued progress and achievements in the next six months during the post-project phase. Additional monthly sessions will be held to keep up the journey with them and we wish them the best success in securing work and training opportunities to support their families and further their self-fulfillment.

“I find my strength and my capability based on my past working experience
and I’ve gained my confidence that I’m still able to gain knowledge and be right back on track
and I know what to achieve and my goals after I attend the course.”

– EM5 Graduate Mira

2019 Project Schedule

Venues: YWCA Fort Canning Lodge, 6 Fort Canning Road S179494 & National Office, 254 Outram Road S169051

Date/Time Programme
1 Nov 6.30-9.30pm Empowering Mums 5 Launch: Embarking on Your Journey by Kefi, Project Briefing & EM4 Graduates Sharing (Family invited)
9 Nov 9am-1pm Workshop 1*: Managing Relationships at Home & Work by Institute of Advanced Parentology
9 Nov 9am-1pm Workshop 1*: Managing Relationships at Home & Work by Institute of Advanced Parentology
16 Nov 9am-1pm Workshop 2*: Finding Your Mums Power by Amplify Point
23 Nov 9am-1pm Workshop 3: Self-Motivation & Resilience by Oumiworks
23 Nov 9am-1pm Workshop 3: Self-Motivation & Resilience by Oumiworks
30 Nov 9am-1pm Workshop 4*: EQ, Meditation & Mindfulness by Ennove Consultancy
7 Dec 9am-1pm Workshop 5*: Communication Strategies by Ennove Consultancy
14 Dec 9am-1pm Workshop 6*: The Reality of a Job Hunt by re:QUEST
21 Dec 9am-1pm Workshop 7*: Skillsfuture Advice by e2i
28 Dec 9am-1pm Workshop 8: Group Coaching by e2i
4 Jan 9am-1pm Workshop 9*: Professional Presentation by Image Mission
11 Jan 9am-3pm Makeover, Graduation Ceremony & Meet-&-Greet with Employment Partners (Family invited)

* Weekly support group sessions facilitated by YWCA

Halal food, childminding and transport from select locations is provided.

With even better outcomes garnered from the change in model, Empowering Mums 4 continued its schedule of support group work alongside skills workshops. The annual project ran from 9 November 2018 with a new timing on Friday afternoons. A total of nine employability cum soft skills workshops and eight group sessions exploring power were held to guide mums further along their journey of employability through empowerment.

Halal food, one-way transport and childminding were provided through the Empowering Kids component to facilitate ease of attendance. To encourage consistent attendance, a sign-up deposit of $20 was collected and fully refunded upon successful graduation. Support buddies from the graduating batch of Empowering Mums 3 also returned to share their experiences with the new mums.

A total of 15 mums graduated from the project on 12 January 2019 and a further six months of post-project workshops featuring additional content were held to continue their journey. Around six months after graduation, 85.7% of graduates either found or maintained employment, or upgraded their skills.

 

 

Empowering Mums 3 marked a new direction for the project with a renewed focus on empowering mothers to improve their employment situation, and the incorporation of support group work. This revamp was made possible by increased funding, enabling YWCA to present an enhanced 10-week model of group work and skills-building workshops. Its aim was now to first meet mothers where they are at in terms of knowledge and skills, transfer these to the employability context, provide support to overcome barriers to employment, and nurture their sense of personal agency through a support group setting. Key takeaways were also built into the development framework so mothers were more activated and could track their progress. The usual provision of halal meals, transport and childminding through Empowering Kids allowed mums to attend with peace of mind and focus on improving themselves.

Project stakeholders expanded to over 30 partners and supporters from community agencies, content providers, sponsors and others who joined YWCA in this meaningful cause. This led to a greater breadth of mothers being referred, with teenage mums participating for the first time, and the return of Employment Partners for the project. A special Meet-and-Greet was organised after the graduation ceremony so mums could mingle with these potential employers. Eventually an internal job database was set up after more employers came forward wanting to share their hiring opportunities with graduate mums.

Eventually, 23 mothers graduated from the enhanced project and within six months, 21 (or 91.3%) of them had either maintained or found employment and/or upskilled themselves. For the latter, a total of 12 (or 52.2%) mums had taken the initiative to undergo some form of skills upgrading. Graduates also reported average scores of at least 85% in each domain when asked to evaluate whether the Empowering Mums journey made them feel stronger, more confident, more in control, able to carry out decisions and empowered.