Responding to online discourse about her leading the Marriage & Parenthood Reset Workgroup, Minister in the Prime Minister\u2019s Office Indranee Rajah said that one does not \u201cnecessarily have to have the same experience in order to empathise.\u201d<\/p>\n
She was speaking on the Who We Are podcast hosted by Rachel Lim \u2014 co-founder of local fashion brand Love, Bonito \u2014 in an episode titled \u201cWhat does it take to want a future in Singapore?\u201d<\/a> uploaded on May 20.<\/p>\n During the 49-minute-long podcast, Ms Indranee touched on several issues surrounding the republic\u2019s low Total Fertility Rate (TFR)<\/a>, as well as her views on marriage and parenthood as the minister leading the new workgroup.<\/p>\n Since being appointed to lead the workgroup, many have questioned whether a single woman without children is the right candidate to tackle issues surrounding marriage and parenthood.<\/p>\n Addressing the elephant in the room during the podcast, Ms Lim put that question directly to Ms Indranee, asking how she \u201csits with that tension\u201d.<\/p>\n In response, Ms Indranee said that she takes it \u201cvery matter-of-factly\u201d, adding that there simply had not been the right person at the right time for her. \u201cSo my life trajectory is such that I\u2019m single and that\u2019s fine. That\u2019s for me,\u201d she explained.<\/p>\n Ms Indranee also shared that she had lost several family members over the years, \u2013 recounting the death of her father when she was very young, her sister to breast cancer, her brother to a heart attack, and her mother, who died in 2025.<\/p>\n Because of those experiences, Ms Indranee said she understands the importance of family \u201cfirst-hand\u201d, adding that when loved ones are gone, \u201cyou feel that absence\u201d. She said this is why she hopes Singaporeans can have families of their own, so they too can experience the love and joy she did growing up.<\/p>\n Another perspective, she noted, is that one does not \u201cnecessarily have to have exactly the same experience in order to empathise.\u201d She pointed out that the key thing is to understand where the concerns lie and how she can do her best to support them.<\/p>\n Looking back at her own life, Ms Indranee said she has no regrets, adding that what is important is to make the most of what one has. \u201cYou may not have something for yourself, but if you work hard so that others can have it and it\u2019s a good thing for them, then that\u2019s great,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n They also discussed why Singaporeans today may prioritise quality of life, freedom, and personal fulfilment over parenthood.<\/p>\n While acknowledging individuals\u2019 desire to enjoy their younger years, Ms Indranee posted a question: \u201cIs there something else which would also give you great satisfaction, joy, and fulfilment? If there is, such as marriage and parenthood, give that a chance.\u201d<\/p>\n Describing them as a \u201cpersonal choice\u201d she respects, Ms Indranee cautioned that while making that decision, individuals should \u201cbear in mind that nature and biology have a clock of their own.\u201d She added that she hopes Singaporeans would not put off the decision for so long that they later struggle to start a family.<\/p>\n \u201cEverybody has to make their own decisions, their own choices, and what is right for them,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n Concluding the podcast, Ms Indranee said she ultimately hopes women can feel \u201csafe and secure in having children without paying a huge price for it\u201d, and that they understand their identity does not have to change with parenthood.<\/p>\n She also said that she hopes people understand her intentions, explaining that her approach \u201ccomes from a place of wanting the best for Singaporeans\u201d, and calling for the support for the marriage and parenthood reset, which she said is \u201creally for the future of Singapore.\u201d<\/p>\n Have something to say? Join in!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Explore more on these topics<\/p>\n<\/div>\n See something interesting? Contribute<\/a> your story to us.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\u2018Don\u2019t necessarily have to have the same experience in order to empathise\u2019<\/h2>\n
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<\/div>\n<\/div>\nUrge Singaporeans to give marriage and parenthood a chance<\/h2>\n
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