| Persatuan Sahabat Wanita Selangor (PSWS) is a support group for women workers particularly for those who are not organised. The programmes of PSWS include education and training, community organisation, support for cases related to violation of employment laws and production of simple education material for women workers. |
| How and why did we start? In the early 1980s, a group of young women - most of whom were at the beginning of their working lives - came together to discuss issues relating to women and feminism. This sparked off a process of working with other groups and individuals on legal reforms, training programmes, public education and advocacy. Today, after nearly two decades of activism, the Women’s Development Collective (WDC), registered in 1988, is an established non- governmental organisation concentrating on research, education and training. What is WDC? We are a collective of feminists committed to building progressive women’s movement in Malaysia. As catalysts for change, we initiate programmes that develop individual capabilities and organisational capacities. We nurture new and creative ways of being and relating based on mutual respect in an atmosphere of joy. We envision a democratic society based on political, economic and social justice. What do we do? Training We create learning opportunities for women in organisations through the WDC Training Institute. The Training Institute currently conducts programmes in the following areas:
Our programmes create an empowering context for women to learn through:
Education We raise awareness and develop analysis on current issues which affect women through: The Women Organising Network (WON) - working with women activists towards building a progressive women’s movement. The Youth and Environment Programme - encouraging youth to take actions on environmental issues. The Children’s Education Programme - rethinking gender roles by using local knowledge to tell children’s stories. Research and Resource Development We carry out research to support and strengthen our training and education work. Research and resource development areas include:
Who are we? Anne Kua: Experienced facilitator, developing people’s and organisation’s potentials Leadership and Organising Anizan Isahak: Soil scientist with an interest in environmental issues. Youth and Environment Cecilia Ng: Founding member, researcher, specialising in gender and technology. Gender and Feminist Analysis Chee Heng Leng: Founding member, conducts research and teaches in community health. Health and Safety at Work Irene Xavier: Labour activist, coordinates WDC’s training programmes. Leadership and Organising Lim
Chin Chin: Founding member, works in
information technology, expertise in Understanding and Using Laws Maria Chin: Founding member, social activist with an interest in developing children’s Abdullah education, long- time campaigner against violence against women. Gender and Feminist Analysis Mary Cardosa: Medical doctor, with an interest in occupational health and safety. Health and Safety at Work Tan Beng Hui: Conducts research and historian with an interest in issues of women’s sexuality. Women Organising Network Executive Director: Maria Chin Abdullah Project Coordinator: Irene Xavier Finance Coordinator: Wong Bee Leng Caretaker: Danaletchimy a/p Kasilingam For further details, contact: Women’s Development
Collective, 44 Jalan Kajang 1, Taman Seri Kajang, 43000
Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia. |
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| SIS FORUM
(MALAYSIA) BERHAD (266561 W) Sisters In Islam (SIS) was formed in 1988 and registered as an NGO in 1993 under the name SIS Forum (Malaysia) Berhad. The name Sisters In Islam is used as an authorship name. The group comprises 10 professional women with combined skills and focus in Islam, theology, law, Shari’a law, gender studies, sociology and anthropology, journalism, social planning and social work, women’s health, and Islamic art and creativity. SIS Forum’s mission is to promote the development of Islam that recognises equality between women and men and that adheres to the principles of justice and democracy. SIS main objectives are:
Advocacy for reform on issues of justice and equality is an important aspect of SIS activities. Since 1993, SIS has submitted five important memoranda to the government that had influenced government policy and law reform in these areas of concern: the Kelantan Syari’ah Criminal Bill (1993), the Domestic Violence Bill (1994), Islamic Family Law on Polygamy (1996), Reform of Islamic Family Law and Administration of Justice in the Syari’ah System (1997) and Reform of Syari’ah Criminal Laws (1997). SIS press statements and letters to the editor published in the Bahasa Malaysia and English newspapers have contributed to a more informed public debate on topical issues of concern. The topics covered include: polygamy (1989), equality (1990), a dress code for Muslim women (1991), the Hudud Law (1993/94), domestic violence (1996), arbitrariness in implementation of syari’ah criminal laws (1997) and decency in Islam: a Qur’anic view of modesty (1997). SIS publications include: Two sets of booklets in the Malay language and in English entitled "Are Women and Men Equal Before Allah?" And (ii) "Are Muslim Men Allowed To Beat Their Wives?", 1990; Shari’a Law And The Modern Nation State: A Malaysian Symposium edited by Norani Othman, 1994; Islam, Gender And Women’s Rights: An Alternative, 1994; Hudud In Malaysia: The Issues At Stake edited by Rose Ismail, 1995; Muslim Women In The Family And Society by Dr Fathi Osman, 1996 (reprint) SIS Address: SIS FORUM MALAYSIA JKR No 851, Jalan Lapangan Terbang Lama 50460 Kuala Lumpur Tel: 603 – 242 6121/7629 8050, Fax: 603 – 7629 8051, E-mail: sis@sisfora.po.my
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