Seven in ten women in Singapore think gender inequality still persists in the workplace

Those in construction, engineering or design, and health and medical services most likely to say this than others

While the labour force participation rate and median gross monthly income for women in Singapore continues to see a year-on-year increase, latest data from YouGov Profiles indicates that gender equality in the workplace remains elusive, with 7 in 10 (71%) women agreeing that men and women experience unequal treatment at work. This is compared to just over half (55%) of men who think that gender inequality exists in the workplace.

Industry-wise, women working in the construction sector appear to be most affected by disparity and are most likely to agree that gender inequality exists in the workplace (82%). This is followed by those working in engineering, design or architecture (77%), and health or medical services (77%).

This comes even as female representation in such sectors are increasing. An example would include the increase in female engineers in the nation’s Land Transport Authority from zero per cent in 2009 to 24 per cent in 2020.

Looking next at age breaks, young women aged 18 to 24 are most likely to say there is a gender disparity in the workplace (74%), as compared to only 5% who say there is none.

At the other end of the age spectrum, less women above the age of 55 say that people of different genders are treated unequally in the workplace (69%). However, this band is also most likely to be retired (25%), working part time (23%) or not working (7%), which would contribute to fewer workplace interactions.

Methodology:

YouGov Profiles is based on continuously collected data and rolling surveys, rather than from a single limited questionnaire. Profiles data is nationally representative and weighted by age, gender, and race. Learn more about Profiles.