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!’
• A Community of Women Empowering Women
• Empowering Mums Graduation
• EM7 Employer’s Meet-and-Greet
• About Empowering Mums programme
• The Impact of Empowering Mums programme
• Special Thanks
• Support Us

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

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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