Women members of the Dawoodi Bohra community warmly welcomed former President of Singapore and current Chancellor of Singapore University of Social Sciences, Madam Halimah Yacob at their community centre in July 2024.
The program, attended by over 60 women, commenced with the recitation of the holy Quran followed by a welcome speech which paid recognition to Madam Yacob’s services to the nation, her distinguished career and accomplishments, and the strength of her character and faith in the face of adversity.
The address highlighted key contributions of various historic female role models of Islam, such as the Sulayhid queen of Yemen, Sayyida Arwa bint Ahmad, under whose patronage Yemen flourished nearly a thousand years ago. Many Singaporeans of Arab heritage trace their roots back to Yemen, including Madam Yacob’s husband, Mohammed Abdullah Alhabshee.
Madam Yacob then began her speech in which she commended the Dawoodi Bohra community and acknowledged that despite being a small community, they have made a significant contribution to Singapore’s nation building efforts.
Speeches were followed by an interaction with the audience and a Q&A session in which Madam Yacob recalled how she rose from humble beginnings to the highest office of the land through dedication and hard work. She highlighted personal experiences recounting how she denounced the lucrative career of a corporate lawyer and instead chose to champion the causes of the unions as she felt strongly about using her voice to speak up against oppression.
The community hosted Madam Yacob for lunch, where she continued her interactions with members over a traditional and particularly relished biryani, a community favourite.
Before departing, Madam Yacob penned down her thoughts, writing, “Visited the Burhani Mosque and had a most engaging dialogue session with the women from the Dawoodi Bohra Community. Many women of all ages turned up for the Women for Women event.
“I’m impressed too by the presence of many young women who took an active interest in current affairs. Though small, about 900, the Dawoodi Bohras are well organised and participate actively too in social work and interfaith activities that promote cohesion among the different faiths.”
Durriya Aziz, a community organiser, said: “Her Excellency was not only gracious in her demeanour, as she always is, but she was so open, sincere and empathetic—it was as if she was an honoured family member.
“She spoke simply and unpretentiously about her life, her childhood hardships as well as her time as the first female (and head-scarf wearing) Head-of-State of one of the most admired nations of the world. I am proud of Singapore and of Her Excellency.”