Violence against women is a worldwide violation of human rights that affects women of all ages, races, nationalities, and socio economic backgrounds. Globally, up to 6/10 women experience abuse in their lifetime – and abuse is not limited to just the physical sense alone.
In Malaysia alone, between January 2011 to July 2011, there were 1,926 police reports on domestic violence and 1,962 police reports on rape. And those were just the reported ones.
Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO) is and has always been actively involved in law reform advocacy to uphold women’s human rights. They also provide a safe place for survivors of domestic violence, single mothers, abused migrant women (including domestic workers), and trafficked women at the WAO’s Refuge. The WAO’s Child Care Centre (CCC) provides full-time care for children of former residents of the Refuge who are getting their lives back on track.
In 2010, 125 women and 100 children were given shelter at the Refuge and 18 children stayed at the CCC.
Every year, WAO fundraises to support its work in helping abused women lead lives free from abuse. This year, WAO is introducing the, “You Can Make A Difference Now!” campaign that aims to raise RM300,000 by December 2011 for the WAO Refuge, Child Care Centre, and advocacy programmes. The amount being raised will contribute to the RM1 million required per year to maintain WAO’s centres, which creates positive impact in the lives of these abused women and children.
The “You Can Make A Difference Now!” campaign has gained strong support from women’s rights advocates namely social activist Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir, writer and TV host Asha Gill, Mix FM radio host Serena C, and THR Raaga radio host Aanantha.
These extraordinary individuals have gone the extra mile to raise funds during the launch by washing two cars belonging to Malakoff Corporation Berhad. The company then presented RM2,000 for the car wash as a token of contribution to the total RM300,000 being raised.
Many have since joined WAO on Facebook in a promise to “Make A Difference Now”. How about you? Please, help them help others. Be a campaign advocate here.
For more information visit their website.
