Sylvia Lim highlight struggles of female political candidates
As Singapore’s General Election (GE2025) campaign heats up, candidates — especially fresh faces — have been drawing massive public attention. But for women candidates, much of the spotlight has been less about policies and more about their appearances.
Several have found themselves thrust under an even harsher glare, with some netizens focusing on their looks instead of their capabilities.
While the compliments may seem harmless, critics argue that reducing women to their appearances undermines their credibility in politics.
Workers’ Party (WP) Chairperson Sylvia Lim recently called out this behaviour, warning that politics remains a “nasty business”, especially for women.
Speaking at a WP rally on Monday (28 April), Ms Sylvia Lim weighed in on the harsh realities faced by women in politics.
“Politics can be a nasty business,” the 60-year-old said, noting that it’s even “trickier” for women, especially those in opposition parties.
Women who challenge ministers have “a delicate tightrope to walk”
Women, she shared, are expected to challenge ministers robustly, but not so aggressively as to seem “unfeminine”. It’s a delicate tightrope walk, she added, that few men understand.
Over the years, Ms Lim has been the target of insults and fierce political attacks — but she stood her ground.
“I fought back with everything I had,” she said, earning cheers from the crowd.
Since being elected as the Chairperson of the WP 22 years ago, she shared that she has “outlasted four male chairmen of the PAP”, though she has “yet to see a female chair on their side”.
Proudly, Ms Lim announced that the party is fielding six women in the upcoming GE.
“So my friends, looking at our slate of female candidates this GE, all I can say is, Mama Bear here is proud,” she concluded.
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Featured image adapted from The Workers’ Party on Facebook.
