Refuge for abused women in Malaysia

At the end of 2015, WAO initiated a pilot Social Entrepreneurship Project under the Women's Programme which aims to empower women to become more financially independent. The project equipped women in the shelter with the necessary skills to generate additional income for her and her family.

For the first stage, the Social Entrepreneurship Project will only last for three months to gauge interest of the residents. A sharing session was conducted with them to explain the project. A Social Worker also brought the women to attend regular sewing workshops to learn basic sewing skills. We also encourage them to make decisions on the type of products they would like to make, source for inspiration and purchase required materials and supplies. They were guided by the Programme Officer but also made efforts to communicate with each other for support and motivation.

The residents produced beautiful fabric bags, purses, fashion accessories such as bracelets and necklaces and hair accessories. The opportunity to market these products arrived when we were invited by the Association of British Women in Malaysia (ABWM) to set up a booth at their annual Christmas Charity Bazaar. The women introduced the items they made and had a great time having conversations with their customers.

We are happy to note that the Project that was meant to provide the residents with a small income also became a platform that helps rebuild their self confidence and communication skills. They showed progress and were keen to continue the project.

In our 33 years of empowering survivors of domestic violence, Women’s Aid Organisation has been strongly supported by scores of volunteers who have contributed in a myriad of ways - raising awareness about violence against women and raising much need funds to keep our doors open. In conjunction with our 33rd anniversary in September 2015, we launched #teamWAO to celebrate the spirit of volunteerism. With #teamWAO, we aim to inspire the community to step forward and support survivors in many ways. So, we would like to welcome you to #teamWAO.

For nine days in September, we shared survivor stories on social media. We highlighted nine women from WAO shelter who wanted their story to be told. Their stories of moving forward.

1. Harini* and her children are survivors of domestic violence. She is a courageous and positive woman and is focused on building a great future for her and her four children. She is currently pregnant with her fifth.
   
   Being optimistic about her future, Harini wishes to continue with the business she started and to expand it. She is a proud owner of a motorcycle, but recognises that she needs to acquire a motorcycle license and road tax for her motorcycle. She has found a child minder for her children and is looking for a room to rent. Her eyes shone with excitement as she talked about courses she would like to attend in order to increase her skills and develop her business. “I want to get a PO (Protection Order) for me and my children, so I can have a peace of mind and focus on our future.” - Harini
   
   
2. Rajeswari* and her children are survivors of domestic violence. She had previously left her husband without taking any of her possessions, as all she cared about were her children. When asked if she could have anything, she said that all she wanted is a safe place to live with her children. “I want to live long enough to watch my children grow up and have their own families.” - Rajeswari
   
   
3. Vinosree* is a survivor of domestic violence and is focused on looking for a new job. She enjoys reading during her free time to keep herself occupied. She particularly enjoys adventure stories. When asked what she wished for, she said that she wanted a safe place for her and her children to live in. “I want to keep my children with me. They are now living with relative until I can find a permanent safe place to live.” - Vinosree
   
   
4. Maureen* and her family are refugees and are waiting to be relocated. She is, however, currently focused on seeking a divorce from her husband who is a drug abuser. All she wants is to have a happy life with her children and for them to be able to attend school. She envisions a future in the US, where she would get a proper job and be a positive role model for her children. “I want my children to be protected from the drugs and negative influences of their father.” - Maureen
   
   
5. Maria* is a survivor of domestic violence and is very grateful that her relatives have been very supportive of her during difficult times. She indicated that she values her children and family, and her relationship with God.
   
   Her aim is to have a fresh start—to have a safe home environment where she can raise her children and also to continue with her career. She recognises that for her to move forward, she would continue to need the help of her relatives. She also acknowledged that for her to make this transition, she would need to have more courage and spiritual strength. “I want to be reunited with my eldest child and be a family again. I just want the best for my family.” - Maria
   
   
6. MG* had to live with her abusive stepson and wants her situation to change. As a strong and independent woman, MG feels driven to start her own business. A matter of urgency for her is that she can have a steady income to care for her three children and provide a better future for them. She would like to witness all her children finish their schooling and obtain their tertiary education. MG is a positive person and motivates other women around her to move forward and to never be afraid. Once she gets back on her feet, she plans to volunteer to help others who are in need, just as she has received help in her time of need. “I want to see my children further their studies after they are finished with school.”- MG
   
   
7. Leyla* and her children are survivors of domestic violence. They are also refugees and left with very few pieces of clothing. During the interview, Leyla proudly wore the necklace her daughter made for her and commented that her daughter was very talented for her age. When asked what she would wish to have, she did not say she wanted riches or fame; rather, she said she would like to have more clothing for her and her family. She looks forward to being resettled - Leyla
   
   
8. After separating from her husband, all Kavita* cares about is the betterment of her daughter. She would like to obtain full custody of her child and provide a safe and healing environment for her. What Kavita hopes for is that the Syariah Court rules fairly over her situation. Kavita plans to establish her own business by opening a food stall. Of utmost importance to her is that her daughter is able to get long-term therapy for her trauma. “The most important thing to me is that my daughter can get therapy to overcome her trauma. I recognise that her trauma has disrupted her learning, and I don’t want her to stay in that situation. I want a better life for her.” - Kavita
   
   
9. Shalini* and her children are survivors of domestic violence. What Shalini values the most now is a safe place for her children and herself. Her goal for the near future is to look for a better environment and home. She realises that in order for her to achieve that, she would need to have a proper and stable income. She wants to be able to place her kids at a Taska (childcare centre), so she can go to work. “Having a better job and better environment for me and my kids will help me move forward.” - Shalini

If you have words of encouragement for these women, we are happy to hear from you!

*Name changed to protect WAO's client's confidentiality.