Not about gender, but values and principles, says one of Syariah Court’s first female divorce arbitrators

One way the inclusion of females on the panel improves the process is that it presents a wider range of Hakams for couples to choose from, said Dr Rohana.

“It’s about creating a conducive environment for communication. Sometimes they are more comfortable with a female Hakam involved,” she explained.

Even as the institution becomes more inclusive, with women like herself on the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) Fatwa Committee and now on the Hakam panel, Dr Rohana noted that it is ultimately still based on merit, judged by one’s contributions, knowledge and service.

“So for me, it’s about carrying this responsibility well, especially when the families are going through difficult situations,” she said.

Dr Rohana said she feels a deep sense of responsibility in her new role, especially as she has been in the field for three decades and seen her fair share of cases.

“Over the years, I’ve been working with individuals and families, and I have seen how complex marital conflicts have been, not just legally but also emotionally,” she said.

When the opportunity to join the Hakam panel came, Dr Rohana instantly saw it as a way to contribute more meaningfully.

She noted that different Hakam have different strengths. For herself, she intends to bring her background in counselling and understanding of Islamic principles, to improve the process.

The new Hakam panel of 22 people will serve for three years from Apr 1 this year.

The court’s child-centric and therapeutic justice approach was on Friday also boosted by an expanded Child Representative Panel, comprising trained professionals who represent children’s welfare in divorce proceedings.

“The importance of achieving amicable divorce extends far beyond immediate proceedings, as it preserves parent-child relationships despite marriage dissolution and enables both parties to continue as effective co-parents where appropriate, when children are involved,” the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) said in a media release.