1

2

What is WAO?Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO) is a

women’s organisation which isNon- ProfitNon- ReligiousIndependent

3

Vision

To create a society that upholds the principles of gender equality

For women of every race, creed, religion and status to take ownership of their rights in all spheres of life.

4

Mission

To promote and create the respect, protection and fulfilment of equal rights for women and to work towards the elimination of discrimination against women, in particular the elimination of violence against women.

5

Philosophy

No one deserves to be battered

We believe that every human being has the right to self-determination, and should be able to control the conditions that shape his/her life.

6

ObjectivesTo provide on request to women and their children

suffering from mental, physical and sexual abuse, temporary refuge services that empower and enable them to determine their own future.

To offer emotional and social support to any woman who requests for it, resident or otherwise, and offer support and after-care.

To undertake and encourage research into any of the factors that contribute to the inequality and subordination of women.

7

To undertake and advocate with government and non-government organisations the eradication of factors that contribute to the inequality and subordination of women through law, policy and institutional reforms.

To create an awareness and better understanding among individuals, public and relevant agencies on the issues of violence against women and the underlying inequalities.

8

Milestones 1979

The late Tun Tan Siew Sin donated his Tun Razak Award of RM30,000 the first shelter for battered women and their children was started

1982Puan Sri E.N. Chong headed the Protem

Committee with help of volunteers Single-story house Refuge and office premises Telephone counselling Face to face counselling

9

Milestones1990

Established Child Care Centre Shelter + food + education for children of ex-

residents for a period of 2 years

2004Established WAO Centre (3rd Centre)

Administrative Centre Advocacy and Public Education Centre

10

WAO ServicesThe RefugeWe provide shelter services to over

100 women + 80 of their childrenReasons for seeking shelter with WAO in

2007Reasons for seeking shelter Percentage

(%)

Domestic Violence 66

Single Mother Pregnancy 13

Migrant Domestic Workers 9

Rape victims 3

Problems with seeking a place to stay 8

Trafficked Victims 1

11

Message to women Shelter : You are safe

Counselling : You are not to be blamed

Empowerment : You have choices and rights

12

What is the strength of our work?

13

Women in Crisis

Seek Help from WAO

WAO Social

Workers Support & Empower Women

WAO Programme

Officers Document

Cases

Identify Laws & Policies that need Reform

Lobby Government to

Eliminate Discrimination Against Women

14

WAO ServicesTelephone Counselling

Face to face Counselling

15

WAO’s social worker in a telephone counselling session

16

WAO figures since year 2000 Year Shelter/

RefugeFace to Face Counselling

Telephone Counselling

2000 105 44 981

2001 115 95 1063

2002 122 87 1478

2003 133 91 1492

2004 132 75 1500

2005 116 115 1215

2006 95 105 1475

2007 100 75 1200

Total 918 587 10404

17

WAO Support ServicesChild Care Centre (CCC)Opened in 1990First of its kind in Malaysia home to

children of ex-residentsSurvivors of Domestic ViolenceStaff: Team of five women Capacity: Maximum 15 children, Age: 3-12

yearsMothers are encouraged to visit, stay during

weekends and to call everyday

18

Child Care CentreThe children are provided with

Accommodation (Shelter, food & tuition)Educational needs:

School fees Transportation Stationary Pocket money

Individual attention Academic, physical and psychological progress

monitored

19

Child Care CentreIn 2007, a total of 19 children resided at the

CCCDescription Percentage

(%)

Sex FemaleMale

8911

Ages 3-6 years6-11 years

4258

Length of Stay 3 weeks6 months – 1 year2 yearsOver 2 years

26322121

20

WAO CentreAdministrative and Advocacy Centre

Press conferencesMeetings with other Non-Governmental

OrganisationsBriefings for students, academics, donors, mediaPublic education activities

Staff: Team of eight women & one part-time librarian

Used for face to face counselling for non-residents

21

THANK YOU