I EMPLOY a number of foreign workers, both male and female.
While the women must undergo health checks twice a year, the men
need them only when their contract is renewed, usually every two
years.
I believe the rationale for the rule is concern about women's
sexual health and unwanted pregnancies that will be a burden to
Singapore.
However, many men could be carriers of sexual diseases, so male
workers should be screened just as often, if not more so.
I am not a bra-burning, man-hating feminist, but I do think many
of our laws are male-centric, as they were mostly made by men.
As society evolves and more women are educated and empowered, it
is our duty to challenge rules and policies that are unfair and, in
this case, detrimental to public health.
Our sons and daughters should know that sexual health is a
responsibility shared by both men and women, and the current rules
do not reflect that.
Ivy Singh-Lim (Mrs)