KUCHING: The Sarawak Women for Women Society (SWWS) will celebrate four decades of service in promoting gender equality and working to eliminate violence against women and girls with a 40th anniversary dinner this October.
SWWS was founded in 1985 as a non-profit organisation to support women and children across Sarawak.
"Over the years, SWWS has worked tirelessly to advocate for change, raise awareness and provide practical support through a range of vital, completely free services," it said in a statement on Tuesday (July 29).
These include a confidential telephone helpline for women in crisis, face-to-face counselling for women and children who have experienced abuse, legal information and shelter referrals for those in danger.
It also conducts outreach to rural communities, awareness programmes in schools and training for professionals on recognising and responding to gender-based violence.
Some years ago, it ran the #BukanSalahKamek campaign, a youth-led initiative to challenge rape culture and stop sexual violence.
"All of this is made possible by the dedication of volunteers, the support of our community and the generosity of the public," it said.
SWWS said proceeds from ticket sales for the dinner would go directly towards sustaining its free support services.
"Just one ticket can help keep our helpline open for a woman in crisis, fund transportation for a volunteer to deliver rural outreach, provide educational materials for awareness campaigns and support legal consultations for survivors seeking justice," it said.
Tickets for the Oct 4 dinner are priced at RM100 each. To purchase tickets or make a donation, contact SWWS at 013-804 4285 or email info@sarswws.org.
