WOMEN around the world face gender-based issues of varying severity.
Yet many are unable to speak up about it due to shame, privacy concerns or the need to protect their dignity.
To assist them, non-profit organisations were established to help women overcome these issues and address them at their roots.
Many of these organisations focus on supporting and empowering women to improve their lives and regain their livelihoods after struggles.
In conjunction with International Women’s Day today, StarMetro highlights eight organisations in the country that champion women’s empowerment.
Women of Will (WOW)
WOW categorises single mothers, widows, abused women and women with incapacitated husbands as disadvantaged.
It offers entrepreneurial programmes to such women to support themselves and their families.
Monetary support is also provided for small women-owned businesses to give them a hand in getting started, usually in the form of zero-interest microloans.
Currently, you can find various products by the women entrepreneurs listed on WOW’s marketplace, such as baked goods, warm meals and even bouquets of sweets.
Sabah Women’s Action Resource Group (Sawo)
With roots tracing back to 1986, Sawo had its first national campaign on violence against women in Sabah in collaboration with JAG (Joint Action Group for Gender Equality).
The campaign made an impact through two days of public workshops and exhibitions raising awareness on the brutality faced by women.
Sawo has established the first one-stop crisis centre at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Kota Kinabalu, and advocates for more shelters for women and children in crisis.
Additionally, Sawo launched the first phone-in helpline for emotional support and has conducted numerous training and awareness programmes in both rural and urban areas within the state.
Sarawak Women for Women Society (SWWS)
Having defended women’s rights since 1985, SWWS’ primary concern are women and girls, particularly those in rural areas of Sarawak, who are facing abuse.
SWWS encourages survivors of abuse to speak up on their experiences through a confidential helpline.
Through their #bukansalahkamek campaign
in 2022, SWWS petitioned for the banning of child marriage.
The petition gathered over 700 signatures agreeing with the initiative for the minimum age of marriage for girls to be increased from 16 to 18.
SWWS has also trained teachers throughout Sarawak on child personal safety.
Women for Refugees (WFR)
Based in Kuala Lumpur, WFR advocates for refugees’ rights to receive education and work in Malaysia.
The organisation founded the Karama initiative, which provides refugees with leadership training and connects them to job opportunities.
WFR conducts programmes such as the Refugee Women Development Programme (RWDP), where English language and financial literacy classes are held for refugee women, besides skill-based lessons such as sewing classes for hair scrunchies.
Soroptimist International Region of Malaysia (Sirom)
Established in 1993, Sirom is dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls in Malaysia.
As part of the global Soroptimist International network, Sirom focuses on educating and enabling women and girls to achieve their full potential.
Their initiatives address various areas, including education, health, environment, economic and social development, and skills training.
Notably, Sirom held the Clean Water to Rural Communities project that began in Kampung Gana in Kota Marudu, Sabah.
Sirom also partnered with SPARK Foundation, which sponsored the construction of a gravity-fed water system that directed water from a mountain stream to the village.
Perak Women for Women (PWW)
Dedicated to enhancing the status and lives of women and children since 2003, PWW provides immediate assistance to those facing abuse, violence and discrimination, regardless of race, religion and social background.
PWW regularly holds classes for participants of all ages, covering topics from computer literacy to baking cookies, all taught by volunteer teachers.
The organisation also operates a shop in Perak’s capital city Ipoh that sells new and pre-loved items donated by supporters, as well as a book club to encourage reading as a pastime.
Proceeds from The PWW Shop help sustain PWW’s work in helping the disadvantaged.
StandUp Malaysia
Founded in 2018 with the motive of fighting against gender-based violence, StandUp Malaysia aims to educate and raise awareness of violence towards women of all ages in Malaysia.
Previously, they partnered with Amaze organisation to create age-appropriate content to help young minds understand issues stemming from gender inequality.
Their “Hear Me Now!” campaign allows women to submit stories of their own unpleasant experiences of being treated as insignificant or unimportant.
Currently, StandUp Malaysia promotes its cause through various social media platforms.
Asian-Pacific Resources & Research for Women (Arrow)
Established in 1993, the Kuala Lumpur-based regional non-profit organisation is dedicated to ensuring women are able to fully realise their reproductive health and rights.
Currently, Arrow leads the Gender Action and Climate Champions Academy, a webinar where participants will get the opportunity to engage with gender issues and climate change experts.
This year, Arrow is a co-organiser for the Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development Youth Forum, a platform for the under 30 to hold discussions on sustainable development issues.
