Forum: Strong stance needed against anti-women ideologies

As Singapore wrestles with falling marriage and fertility rates, one area that deserves greater attention is the rise of extremist ideologies sowing division and enmity between men and women. 

The Internal Security Department (ISD) has acted against two individuals who hold “incel” (short for “involuntary celibate”) beliefs, among a “salad bar” of extremist ideologies. Those who identify as “incels” often express frustration, anger and resentment towards society, women and those they perceive as more sexually successful.

In the latest case, a 19-year-old student had even made online posts threatening to kill or rape women (2 S’poreans, including student, 19, issued ISA orders over radicalisation triggered by Gaza war, June 24).

Even when they do not involve the threat or endorsement of violence against women, the misogynistic and demeaning attitudes of these “incel” ideologies poison attitudes and relationships between the sexes.

If allowed to spread, these would have negative implications for dating, marriage and parenthood in the long run.

This should be a matter of deep concern for our nation, whose marriage rates have fallen to the lowest ever in a decade (Marriages in Singapore fall further in 2025, but most people say they are happily married: MSF, July 10).

Legally, these harmful “incel” ideologies can possibly be dealt with by the new Online Safety Commission in due course.

Under the Online Safety (Relief and Accountability) Act, the definition of “incitement of enmity” covers incitement of “feelings of enmity, hatred or hostility against any group in Singapore”.

While this category of online harm has not yet been implemented in law, it can potentially be used to collectively protect women (or men) once implemented.

As Singapore seeks a “reset” on marriage and parenthood, one priority should also be to develop more positive attitudes and harmonious relationships between the sexes.

Darius Lee