Strengthening the representation and role of women within interfaith movements in Singapore

Abstract

The paper studies the exclusion and underrepresentation of women within interfaith movements in Singapore. From the perspective of social movement theory, the paper analyses the presence and participation of women as part of a collective mind that moves interfaith dialogues. The first part of the paper establishes interfaith as a social movement. In doing so, it ascertains the actors and their motivations toward a collective action of social cohesion. Then, in chapter two, the reasons behind women's absence or weak representation in interfaith engagements are studied. In this regard, academic works on feminist theology and movements are reviewed. Chapter three maps the development of interfaith movements in Singapore since 1949. This involves an analysis of how these movements sit in Singapore's state-administered maintenance of religious harmony. Following this, in chapter four, the paper highlights the exclusion of women within Singapore's interfaith leadership. It also presents the recent developments of ground-up movements which shape the direction of women's involvement in grassroots interfaith dialogues. Based on studying and analysing various dimensions of interfaith movements against the collective behaviour theory, it is argued that there is a lacuna in women's voice within interfaith leadership and grassroots engagements. The paper concludes with three recommendations on how women's role and representation in Singapore's interfaith movements can be strengthened to achieve better the common goal of solidarity and unity in the country's multireligious society.