Our Better World (OBW), the storytelling platform of the Singapore International Foundation (SIF), showcases social impact initiatives in Asia to inspire action.
Empower HER, a three-year series, sheds light on women's issues, with the aim of raising awareness and empathy for positive change.
The second edition delves into the theme of women's equality, advocating for access to opportunities and resources. Our goal is to showcase women as pillars of strength, enriching not only their own lives but also those of their families and communities.
Through poignant videos on our website and social media platforms, compelling blogs and a virtual event featuring changemakers in the field, we aim to deepen awareness of the challenges women face in our region. By underscoring these struggles, we can foster a culture of empathy, laying the groundwork for genuine female empowerment. Our focus extends beyond awareness-raising; we seek tangible actions in support of the featured NGOs, whether through donations or volunteering.
By harnessing the power of storytelling, we strive to enact real change and shape a more equitable future for women in our society.
Bringing our project to life involved meticulous planning, identifying key objectives and formulating a comprehensive strategy.
We delineated our vision for ‘Empower HER: Shaping a Fairer World,’ ensuring it aligned with our mission to spotlight women's issues and advance equality.
Execution entailed a multifaceted approach, encompassing the creation of impactful videos, engaging blog content, and organising a virtual event featuring over twenty prominent changemakers. Each element was carefully crafted to resonate with our audience and foster meaningful engagement.
A pivotal aspect is the incorporation of personal stories, showcasing the real-life experiences of women navigating diverse challenges in our region, including stories from Malaysia, India, and Indonesia. This human-centric approach fostered empathy and connection, motivating viewers to support our cause.
Throughout the project, we faced various challenges, including resource constraints and logistical hurdles. Nonetheless, we persevered, employing creative solutions and partnerships to surmount these obstacles. For instance, we collaborated with local storytellers who possess an innate understanding of cultural nuances, enabling them to convey stories with authenticity.
A 2023 survey by the World Economic Forum highlighted South-east Asia's position in the bottom two across eight regional groups for gender parity. Despite this stark reality, our project distinguishes itself through its steadfast commitment to storytelling as a catalyst for change. By amplifying women's voices and sharing their lived experiences, we've cultivated a platform that not only raises awareness but also inspires tangible action. Our project's unique ability to cultivate empathy, drive engagement and ultimately shape a more equitable future for women underscores its significance in our society.
The results of our project exceeded our team's objectives, demonstrating the success of our efforts. In three weeks, the series drew over 10.5 million views across our videos and blogs, indicating a significant reach and audience engagement. Our virtual event drew close to 100 attendees. Additionally, our initiative inspired more than 4,000 actions in support of the featured organisations, reflecting our audience's willingness to make a positive impact.
Post-series launch, these organisations reported an increase in inquiries, indicating a positive reception and bolstered support for their causes. Overall, these statistics demonstrate the effectiveness of our project in not just raising awareness among a wide audience, but also generating support for the featured organisations.
