One day after the NTUC gave an unprecedented role to women in their highest decision-making body, the move was roundly welcomed by unionists.

Most said the move sends the right signals to women workers and employers about the value of women in the workplace.

Said Mr K. Karthikeyan, 48, the general secretary of the United Workers of Petroleum Industry: 'We have put women in high office and this is a good message to employers on how important women workers are. This is especially since one of our biggest tasks now is to try and bring more women back to the workforce.'

On Wednesday, unionists voted on the make-up of the 21-seat central committee. They picked four women, one more than in the previous committee. More significantly though, was the posts three of them took.

Newcomer, labour MP Josephine Teo was voted in as one of two assistant secretary-generals.

Another labour MP Halimah Yaacob was promoted to deputy secretary-general and Ms Nora Kang became the first woman vice-president in the labour movement's 46-year history.

The other woman is Diana Chia, an incumbent central committee member.

That women still occupied far fewer seats than men was not a concern for unionists.

As Mr Gary Harris, 33, branch official of the Union of Security Employees' youth wing put it: 'It's a strong team. It's not about the number. Sometimes you can have one woman, but you have a strong lady there, can whack all the men.'

Ms Kang, 52, hoped the more prominent role of women would spur more female workers to join unions.

'Since 1997 when I joined the committee, I always felt we had the opportunity to speak up. By being elected as vice president, I think it's even more visible and it lets women know we are here and they have a voice,' she said. 'We hope this will give motivation to women to get involved.'

The role of women aside, unionists were also glad to see a very 'inclusive' central committee.

Said Healthcare Services Employees' Union K. Thanletchimi, 42: 'You have all varieties and all flavours now. You have young and old, female and male, and you have representation from many different industries. Overall, I think the results are very well-received.'