KUALA LUMPUR, 23 March 2017 – Yayasan Sime Darby (YSD) has extended its support to the Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO) with an additional commitment of RM1.5 million for three years until December 2019.

This is YSD’s fourth extension in support of WAO which will mark a decade of continuous collaboration between the Foundation and WAO, with a total commitment of RM4.3 million.

YSD Governing Council Member Datin Paduka Zaitoon Dato’ Othman, who announced the extension of support to WAO at the Foundation’s International Women’s Day celebration, said the women’s rights organisation has played a crucial role to protect survivors of domestic violence.

“Over the years, the Foundation has supported the protection and advocacy efforts for women survivors of domestic violence and their children through the establishment of shelters and the results have been encouraging.”

“From January 2010 until September 2016, a total of 949 women and 821 children have sought refuge in WAO’s refuge centre, providing much needed shelter and protection for battered and scarred women and children,” she said.

WAO Executive Director Sumitra Visvanathan said YSD’s support has been crucial in enabling the organisation to advocate for laws and policies to improve the lives of Malaysian women as well as protect and empower survivors of domestic violence.

“YSD has been WAO's strategic partner since 2010, and we thank them for their constant and generous support.”

“YSD’s support has enabled us to provide free services to women and children who are victims of abuse, helping them rebuild their lives as empowered survivors,” she said.

Through its efforts over the years, WAO is a leading domestic violence shelter provider. The organisation is also a reintegration and case management service provider in Malaysia, developing high-impact advocacy programmes to strengthen state policy and women’s access to justice and protection in an effort to enhance community awareness on domestic violence and promote gender equality.

During the event, in conjunction with International Women’s Day, a forum was also held entitled “Be Bold For Change”, with panelists Malaysian Automotive Association President and Corporate Affairs Director of Sime Darby Motors Division YBhg. Datuk Aishah Ahmad, Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (klpac) Co-Founder & Executive Producer YBhg. Dato’ Faridah Merican, Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) Commissioner Mr. Jerald Joseph and Cancer Research Malaysia (CRM) Chief Executive Officer Professor Dr. Teo Soo-Hwang.

WAO also organised a workshop "Why Gender Equality Matters?” to raise awareness on gender-based discrimination and the need for gender equality.

About 190 Sime Darby staff attended the workshop with 120 representatives from women’s rights groups and beneficiaries of YSD.

Under the Community & Health pillar, YSD to date has committed RM114 million towards community-based programmes, initiatives, advocacy and research efforts targeted at increasing the well-being of disadvantaged people, reducing socio-economic disparities as well as enhancing the welfare of neglected children, senior citizens, vulnerable women, physically challenged individuals and other marginalised groups.