Across time and continents, women have long stood at the heart of the Red Cross movement. From renowned author Agatha Christie, who volunteered with the British Red Cross during the First World War, to the many women serving in our communities today, that legacy continues.
At the Singapore Red Cross (SRC), women make up more than half of our active volunteers. This International Women’s Day, we speak to three volunteers about what led them to serve and how being part of the Red Cross movement has shaped them.
Meet Kelly, Khaing and Shayeni
Kelly Yap has spent the last five years volunteering with the Fundraising programme. Since joining at a young age of 14, she has become a versatile volunteer, from supporting events on-the-ground to mentoring peers and advocating for the Red Cross Shop.
Khaing Thazin began her volunteering journey in 2019 and eventually found her passion in serving the migrant community with the Community Health outreach for Wellness (CHoW) programme. To her, supporting their health and wellbeing with her medical background is both a humbling and fulfilling experience.
Skanthakumar Thakshayeni started volunteering with SRC in 2019. Today, she supports overseas deployment training with the Singapore Red Cross Academy and participates in overseas missions with the Global Engagement team.
Why did you choose to volunteer with SRC?
Kelly: I first started volunteering with SRC as part of the National Youth Achievement Award (NYAA) during my O-Level. I was drawn to the idea of a humanitarian organisation with such a broad scope, especially one that serves such diverse groups of people.
Khaing: I was deeply touched by SRC’s humanitarian work in my hometown during the 2025 Myanmar earthquake, and I’m grateful and proud to volunteer with an organisation that extends help beyond borders. Apart from the warm and welcoming atmosphere, volunteering with SRC gives me a deep sense of purpose and reinforces my belief in contributing meaningfully to the community.
Shayeni: I chose to volunteer with SRC because it brings together compassion and competence. I wanted to serve in a space where volunteers are trained, trusted, and ready to act when it matters. Over the years, it has become more than volunteering. It is a community built on responsibility and care.
The first volunteers of the Red Cross were women. What does it mean to you to be part of that legacy?
Kelly: It’s definitely an honour and I think it’s very empowering to know that women have always been so strong and capable. That we’ve always had a heart for the community and the heart to serve.
Khaing: I’m very proud of it! Being part of this history reminds me of the quiet strength, resilience, and compassion that women bring to humanitarian work. And being part of the Red Cross allows me to honour this tradition by serving with compassion and dignity.
Shayeni: It’s humbling. Women have always stepped forward in times of crisis, often quietly and without recognition. Being part of that legacy reminds me that strength doesn’t always need to be loud. It needs to be steady.
How do you think women bring something unique to humanitarian work?
Kelly: Perhaps it’s the different perspectives we bring. When people think differently, our approach becomes more holistic and that helps us serve beneficiaries more effectively. I think women also bring diverse skill sets that make the work more thoughtful and impactful.
Khaing: I believe women bring something unique to humanitarian work through their natural nurturing and motherly instincts. Personally, this instinct helps me build trust and emotional safety with the community I serve.
Shayeni: Women often bring a balance of empathy and firmness, especially in humanitarian contexts. During overseas deployments, this perspective can help strengthen relationships with communities. When trust is built, real change becomes possible.
How has volunteering with the SRC shaped the way you see yourself and the impact you can make in the community?
Kelly: Volunteering has enabled me to step out of my comfort zone. I see myself wanting to contribute more to the community because every small action counts, even if it’s something simple like spreading awareness or volunteering as a booth ambassador.
Khaing: It’s reshaped how I see myself, not just as a professional, but as a woman with the ability to uplift and support others meaningfully. I’ve realised how much impact one person can make simply by stepping forward to serve.
Shayeni: It strengthened my confidence, not just in my abilities but in the spaces I can step into. Being trusted with leadership roles in disaster response and preparedness showed me that capability grows when opportunity meets preparation. It reminds me that when one woman steps forward, it makes space for others to follow.
What does international Women’s Day mean to you personally?
Kelly: It gives me a sense of empowerment. My school had a simple photo booth set up for International Women’s Day and even the boys joined in, holding up the ‘girl power’ signs. It was funny, but also motivating to know that we don’t stand alone.
Khaing: To me, it’s a reminder of the strength and compassion women often carry while supporting others. And a reflection on how empowering women creates more caring and inclusive communities.
Shayeni: It’s a reminder of the women who paved the way before us and of our responsibility to widen that path for others. It’s about creating opportunities, mentoring intentionally, and ensuring no one feels they have to shrink to belong.
Who is a woman who inspires you, and why?
Kelly: A teacher from my junior college who guided me during a particularly stressful council event. She noticed something was wrong and took the time to sit down and talk with me. Her empathy and attentiveness left a lasting impression on me and really inspired me to show the same care for others.
Khaing: Indra Nooyi, the former CEO of PepsiCo. She’s the first woman of colour to head a Fortune 50 company and I really admire how she led with courage and inclusivity.
Shayeni: Dr Wong Ting Hway has been deeply influential in my journey. As the first Singaporean to serve with the International Committee of the Red Cross, she showed me what was possible and encouraged me when my path in humanitarian and public health felt uncertain. I’m grateful to her for reminding me not to give up on that calling.
One word to describe women volunteers at SRC.
Kelly: ‘Present’ because they always show up, not just physically but being mentally present too. I admire their spirit and I’m grateful that many of them continue to return and serve.
Khaing: Compassionate.
Shayeni: Steadfast.
Despite volunteering in different capacities, these women show us what it means to serve with heart and dedication. Inspired by their stories? Join us as a volunteer today!