Women's NGO in KL celebrates 40 years of advocacy in action

In October, campaign culminates in a 16-day art exhibition titled 'A Canvas of Change: Awam’s 40-Year Journey'. Photo: Freepik

This year marks a milestone for All Women’s Action Society (Awam), a leading Malaysian NGO championing women’s rights and gender equality. To celebrate of its 40th anniversary, Awam is launching a series of events under the banner Canvas of Change, designed to honour women who’ve shaped Malaysia and to inspire the next generation to do the same.

Ho says for the last four decades, Awam's journey has been driven by a shared vision of a just, safe and gender-equal society. Photo: All Women Action Society

Starting this month, a powerful line-up of forums, performances and art exhibitions will spotlight extraordinary Malaysian women leaders from all walks of life.

Awam president Ho Yock Lin says the celebration is set to be "a powerful and timely conversation spotlighting women leaders who not only manage organisations and caregiving responsibilities at home, but do so successfully".

On May 10, a May Day Forum titled "From Boardrooms to Homefront: Women Leaders on Navigating Work, Leadership and Caregiving" will discuss pressing issues such as unpaid care work, evolving gender roles and the challenges and triumphs of women in leadership.

Speakers include former member of parliament Nurul Izzah Anwar, sustainable supply chain expert Datin Lorela Chia of Malaysia Association of Sustainable Supply Chain & Innovation (MASSCI) and Amanda Kong, a PWD rights advocate from Make It Right Movement.

 

Other activities

 

On Aug 16, a piano recital will be held featuring Malaysian pianists. 

Performers include Siew Yuet Yang, a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) scholarship recipient from the University of Oregon; Sheak Wen Qi, who won Gold Prize in the Young Artiste category at the Euroasia Piano Competition; and Sheak Yu Tian, who won second prize in the Beethoven Sonata category at the Hong Kong International Piano Competition 2023.

In September, Awam will also launch a portrait book featuring the work of Malaysian artist Hakim Abdullah, better known as Pencil Ninja. Hakim has gained both local and international recognition, including acknowledgments from Buckingham Palace for his portraits of Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III.The campaign culminates in October with a 16-day art exhibition, A Canvas of Change: Awam’s 40-Year Journey. 

Running from Oct 17 to Nov 2, it will showcase 25 graphite illustrations that chronicle the stories of women whose strength and vision have shaped Malaysian society.

All proceeds from the portrait book, piano recital and art exhibition will go directly to support Awam’s missions. Photo: Freepik

All proceeds from the portrait book, piano recital and art exhibition will go directly to support Awam’s mission: advocating for justice and equality, combating gender-based violence, and uplifting communities through education and support, says Ho.

“For 40 years, our journey has been driven by a shared vision of a just, safe and gender-equal society. What began in 1985 continues with unwavering compassion and community support. We honour every hand that has helped shape this path, each heart that has believed in our cause, and all the lives that have been touched and changed along the way," she adds.

More info: www.awam.org.my or follow @awammalaysia on Instagram.