AWARE took the news by storm when the papers covered its ill-fated religiously skewed executive committee and its bid against its more inclusive predecessor. From hindsight, it looked like a real life drama series being aired on TV which ended with “happily ever after” since everything returned to the way it was.

However, things are hardly that way they were. Apart from the inquiry by the Ministry of Education (MOE) on the comprehensive sexuality curriculum, AWARE’s “new” old committee also has to consider reaching out to women who are more conservative and more ardent in their beliefs. Josie Lau and her committee can be considered part of that conservative group though she may not be the best candidate for representation.

When Josie Lau’s committee stepped down, they did say that they would continue taking part as active members of the organization. If so, the committee must play a key role in including them into discussions and not polarizing them.

However, the uneasy feeling of working with people who had caused some anger and confusion makes the task difficult to execute. Even so, this is what AWARE has to consider if it wants to continue representing the women of society. They have to provide a platform for both liberal, moderates and conservatives to voice out opinions and develop more balanced viewpoints. Different viewpoints provide contrasting ideas in discussions which allow less extreme opinions to form.

As such, the feelings inculcated during the month long affair must first be diminished and appropriate steps taken to integrate Josie and friends back into AWARE. They may have been ousted out of leadership but they are still part of a society which has varied views on issues. Thus, to remain inclusive, AWARE must take steps to increase the participation of the conservative within the organization.