Fueled by a profound desire to support victims of crime – especially women and children – Charis Chow, an undergraduate student, is on a mission to make a difference. Her commitment is deeply personal, rooted in her own family experiences where she witnessed the devastating effects of crime on the most vulnerable in her family. This journey has ignited her determination to advocate for those in need and create a safer, more compassionate world.
“Growing up, I saw how crime so deeply affected the lives of the women in my family,” Charis shares. “It made me realise early on that I wanted to help those often overlooked and silenced.”
However, the path to fulfilling her dreams was not without challenges. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, Charis’ family faced financial strain as her father was retrenched. Thankfully, she found financial aid from the IWF Singapore Education Grant.
“The EduGrant not only subsidised my university tuition fees but also allowed funded my participation in a conference to which I was invited, where I had the chance to connect with senior thought leaders from various industries,” Charis recalls. “I felt completely out of my depth but incredibly challenged. It was a turning point for me.”
This pivotal experience at the conference expanded her perspective beyond the immediate impact of on-the-ground therapeutic work. Charis began to see the broader picture—the need for social, private, and public partnerships to accelerate and bolster the effectiveness of initiatives, especially those emerging from non-governmental or non-profit organisations.
Driven by a newfound vision, Charis sought to maximize the opportunities she was given, recognizing the privilege of being born in Singapore and receiving a quality education. She channelled her energy to uplift vulnerable children through research. She is currently working on her psychology honours thesis, which focuses on the social and emotional development of refugee children in Malaysia. Her thesis explores strategies to enhance the resilience of these refugee children in the face of crisis, reflecting her commitment to using her knowledge and resources to uplift those less fortunate.
Having been exposed to both ends of the spectrum – from working with refugees to engaging with accomplished women in the International Women’s Forum Singapore – Charis recognises the vital role of building connections that can drive meaningful change. “There’s so much more work to be done to bridge the top 1% and the bottom 1%,” she emphasises.
As she looks to the future, Charis aspires to continue her work at the intersection of advocacy and business to gain insights into best practices from the private sector. She plans to leverage this experience to drive meaningful change and promote a more just and compassionate society. Her journey is a testament to the power of resilience, education, and the desire to make a difference.
In offering advice to others who may face similar challenges, Charis encourages them to persevere and seek out opportunities that align with their passions. Charis’ story is a shining example of what can be achieved when passion meets purpose. Through the support of the IWF Singapore Education Grant, she has not only overcome personal adversity but also set herself on a path to becoming a leader and advocate for those in need.
