The lack of female representation on the boards of listed companies here can only be dealt with if there is a "sea change in attitudes, particularly among men," said Minister for Law K Shanmugam on Monday evening.

The minister was speaking at a cocktail event organised on Monday by BoardAgender, an arm of the Singapore Council of Women's Organisations (SCWO).

BoardAgender was established two years ago with the aim of raising awareness about the importance of female participation on the boards of listed companies.

The minister added that the low rates of female representation on boards here are indicative of a broader issue - that women continue to face challenges balancing career and family.