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ALL WOMEN'S ACTION SOCIETY, MALAYSIA ::.
Who
We Are
The All Women's Action Society (AWAM) is an independent, feminist organisation
committed to improving the lives of women in Malaysia. Our vision is
to create a just and equitable society where women are treated with
respect, and free from all forms of violence and discrimination. Towards
this, we inform, connect and mobilise those interested in:
·
Securing women's rights
· Bringing about gender equality
· Supporting women in crisis
We also
build the capacities of those who work for women's empowerment and social
transformation. To keep up with change and to remain effective, we regularly
evaluate, plan and monitor our work.
History
of AWAM
In conjunction with International Women's Day in 1985, a group of women
organised a workshop and exhibition to highlight the phenomenon of violence
against women in Malaysia. For the first time ever, issues like rape,
domestic violence, sexual harassment, prostitution, and portrayal of
women in the media, were raised as matters of public concern. The success
of this historic two-day event inspired the formation of several women's
organisations. One of these was AWAM, officially established in 1988.
How
We Work
AWAM operates on the strength of a dynamic group of volunteer members
and a pool of dedicated staff. Both are responsible for the direction
and policies of the organisation. The latter also ensures the smooth
running of day-to-day activities.
What
We Do
Lobbying
and Advocacy:
We bring forward women's needs to decision-makers, lobbying and advocating
for improved legislation and policies. Our achievements here include:
- The
amendments to the laws relating to rape (1989)
- The
enactment of the Domestic Violence Act (1994)
- The
setting-up of the One Stop Crisis Centre in all major government hospitals
(1996)
- The
introduction of the Code of Practice on the Prevention and Eradication
of Sexual Harassment in the Workplace (1999)
- The
amendment of Article 8(2) of the Federal Constitution to prohibit
discrimination on the basis of sex (2001)
Public
Education:
We raise awareness on a range of issues to change perceptions and challenge
societal norms that restrict women's freedom and security. We do this
by putting up exhibitions and information booths, holding talks, seminars,
and workshops. The media also routinely seeks our opinions and this
has enabled us to further publicise women's concerns. Together, these
different avenues allow us to increase the level and depth of understanding
on women's rights.
Training:
Our training expertise is in the areas of gender analysis and violence
against women. We offer customised programmes and have worked with hospitals,
the police, the welfare department, and other government agencies, as
well as educational institutions, community groups and NGOs.
Research:
The research we do focuses on violence against women and aims at:
- Obtaining
a clearer picture of its incidence and impact in Malaysia
- Strengthening
analysis of this phenomenon to better inform strategies for addressing
it
- Collecting
and processing information to disseminate in a simplified and useful
format
- We have
conducted research into rape, sexual harassment, and the media portrayal
of women.
Services:
We offer services in the areas of counselling and legal advice for women
in crisis because we believe that:
- Every
woman should have control over her life in ways that she decides is
best
- Any
violent or sexual assault against women is a crime and act of aggression
and intimidation; and
- Women
who face violence have a right to medical, legal and social support
Counselling
We provide both telephone and face-to-face counselling services free
of charge. These are available every Tuesday to Saturday from 9am
to 5.30pm (closed on public holidays). Any woman who needs assistance
can either call our crisis helpline Telenita (03-7877 0224) or make
an appointment to see our social worker. We cater to all kinds of
women regardless of age, ethnicity, religion, geographical location,
income, or sexual preference.
Legal
Advice
Together with the Bar Council Legal Aid Centre, we offer women free
legal advice in the areas of family, labour and immigration law. We
also give assistance in other civil and Syariah matters. For women
who are unable to afford legal representation, we can help to arrange
for this to be obtained at a nominal fee.
How
You Can Help
We welcome whatever energies, time or skills you can contribute. We
especially seek those who are interested to do the following: write
articles, public speaking, research and documentation, illustrations
and design, organising events, fundraising, telephone counselling, and
working with young people. If you are able to commit yourself to any
of the above, please contact us at the office.
You can
also help by making a financial contribution. AWAM is a non-profit organisation
and we depend heavily on your generous support to allow us to continue
with the work we do. All monies raised go into the running of our programmes
and the office. You can make a difference. Make a donation today.
Contact
Us
For
more information, contact us at:
85 Jalan 21/1, Sea Park
Petaling Jaya
46300 Selangor
Malaysia
Tel: (03)
7877-4221
Fax: (03) 7874-3312
Telenita (counselling line): (03) 7877-0224
Email: awam@po.jaring.my
Open Tuesdays
to Saturdays, 9am-5.30pm (closed on public holidays).
Contents
was taken from AWAM's Leaflet
