“My Body My Rights” is Amnesty International’s global campaign to stop the control and criminalisation of sexuality and reproduction. It is about people being empowered to enjoy their sexuality.
“My Body, My Choice” is a feminist slogan used in several countries, most often surrounding issues of bodily autonomy and abortion. Feminists usually defend individuals’ right of self-determination over their bodies for sexual, marriage and reproductive choices.
In Singapore, it is a bit different story when it comes to sexual freedom. This Southeast Asian country of 5.8 million is a Chinese-dominated modern secular democracy deeply influenced by the West. It is a liberal society but, like anywhere else in the world, there is no such thing as “unbridled freedom” in its true sense in any sector or area of activity of this island city-state.
Thanks to the republic’s Asian tag and proximity to the Muslim-majority neighbours Malaysia and Indonesia, a bit of conservatism distinguishes its culture from that in the Americas and Europe. Traditional values, customs and ideas are the hallmark of its society and government policies.
However, abortion is legal and widely accessible in Singapore. Public opposition to the abortion laws has been limited for various reasons. Singaporeans are split among several religions, diluting religious social influence. The laws were passed earlier than many other countries, particularly in Asia. As a result, there has not been extensive debate on the topic.
Acts of sexual molestation are criminalised and there is zero tolerance for the outrage of modesty of a person everywhere, including at the workplaces. There are strict laws in place to deal with any form of outrage of modesty, sexual molestation and sexual exploitation. Strict rules and regulations exist to regulate the social activities and control sexual crimes.
The fight for reproductive rights has been at the core of the women’s movement since the country’s independence in 1965. Feminists have critiqued state and social control over women’s reproductive capacities. Some state actions, such as the endorsement of family planning and the legalisation of abortion, have converged with the feminist goal of empowering women to make their own choices, but have been used to very different ends.