Let's hope it can make a difference

It is a healthy sign that Ms Ivy Singh-Lim, who is not afraid to speak her mind, is keen to set up a political group called the Gentlewarrior's Party, as reported in "Only women need apply " (The New Paper, Aug 4).

I give this gungho woman my best wishes and hope she can make a difference in the lives of those who are marginalised and have no voice.

Aspiring politicians must be prepared to speak out with courage and conviction on thorny issues such as mental illness and end-of-life issues.

Such politicians will make good Members of Parliament because without them, these issues would get swept under the rug.

We have citizens, many of them women, who are grappling with depression and other types of mental disorders, which in turn puts a heavy strain on family caregivers, many of whom are also women.

Many women are also on the receiving end of abuse, physical and verbal, or their marriages may be falling apart, resulting in broken families and worries over their children suffering.

Other women who may need more support include the wives of prisoners and caregivers who lose their spouses abruptly.

So go for it, Ms Singh-Lim.

Be a voice for the voiceless and bring advocacy to a much higher level.

Raymond Anthony Fernando

Get The New Paper for more stories.