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What is WAO?Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO) is a
women’s organisation which isNon- ProfitNon- ReligiousIndependent
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Vision
To create a society that upholds the principles of gender equality
For women of every race, creed, religion and status to take ownership of their rights in all spheres of life.
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Mission
To promote and create the respect, protection and fulfilment of equal rights for women and to work towards the elimination of discrimination against women, in particular the elimination of violence against women.
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Philosophy
No one deserves to be battered
We believe that every human being has the right to self-determination, and should be able to control the conditions that shape his/her life.
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ObjectivesTo provide on request to women and their children
suffering from mental, physical and sexual abuse, temporary refuge services that empower and enable them to determine their own future.
To offer emotional and social support to any woman who requests for it, resident or otherwise, and offer support and after-care.
To undertake and encourage research into any of the factors that contribute to the inequality and subordination of women.
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To undertake and advocate with government and non-government organisations the eradication of factors that contribute to the inequality and subordination of women through law, policy and institutional reforms.
To create an awareness and better understanding among individuals, public and relevant agencies on the issues of violence against women and the underlying inequalities.
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Milestones 1979
The late Tun Tan Siew Sin donated his Tun Razak Award of RM30,000 the first shelter for battered women and their children was started
1982Puan Sri E.N. Chong headed the Protem
Committee with help of volunteers Single-story house Refuge and office premises Telephone counselling Face to face counselling
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Milestones1990
Established Child Care Centre Shelter + food + education for children of ex-
residents for a period of 2 years
2004Established WAO Centre (3rd Centre)
Administrative Centre Advocacy and Public Education Centre
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WAO ServicesThe RefugeWe provide shelter services to over
100 women + 80 of their childrenReasons for seeking shelter with WAO in
2007Reasons for seeking shelter Percentage
(%)
Domestic Violence 66
Single Mother Pregnancy 13
Migrant Domestic Workers 9
Rape victims 3
Problems with seeking a place to stay 8
Trafficked Victims 1
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Message to women Shelter : You are safe
Counselling : You are not to be blamed
Empowerment : You have choices and rights
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What is the strength of our work?
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Women in Crisis
Seek Help from WAO
WAO Social
Workers Support & Empower Women
WAO Programme
Officers Document
Cases
Identify Laws & Policies that need Reform
Lobby Government to
Eliminate Discrimination Against Women
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WAO ServicesTelephone Counselling
Face to face Counselling
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WAO’s social worker in a telephone counselling session
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WAO figures since year 2000 Year Shelter/
RefugeFace to Face Counselling
Telephone Counselling
2000 105 44 981
2001 115 95 1063
2002 122 87 1478
2003 133 91 1492
2004 132 75 1500
2005 116 115 1215
2006 95 105 1475
2007 100 75 1200
Total 918 587 10404
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WAO Support ServicesChild Care Centre (CCC)Opened in 1990First of its kind in Malaysia home to
children of ex-residentsSurvivors of Domestic ViolenceStaff: Team of five women Capacity: Maximum 15 children, Age: 3-12
yearsMothers are encouraged to visit, stay during
weekends and to call everyday
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Child Care CentreThe children are provided with
Accommodation (Shelter, food & tuition)Educational needs:
School fees Transportation Stationary Pocket money
Individual attention Academic, physical and psychological progress
monitored
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Child Care CentreIn 2007, a total of 19 children resided at the
CCCDescription Percentage
(%)
Sex FemaleMale
8911
Ages 3-6 years6-11 years
4258
Length of Stay 3 weeks6 months – 1 year2 yearsOver 2 years
26322121
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WAO CentreAdministrative and Advocacy Centre
Press conferencesMeetings with other Non-Governmental
OrganisationsBriefings for students, academics, donors, mediaPublic education activities
Staff: Team of eight women & one part-time librarian
Used for face to face counselling for non-residents
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THANK YOU