Empowering change: WCC marks 38 years of fighting gender violence

The Women’s Centre for Change (WCC), a well-established organisation in Penang, has been at the forefront of empowering abused women and children for nearly four decades.

Since its inception in 1985, WCC has grown into a vital resource, providing essential services and advocating for the rights of women and children, while working towards a society free from gender violence.

WCC: Empowering survivors and advocating for change

WCC was born from a small initiative by concerned individuals addressing the plight of women facing domestic abuse.

Despite its humble beginnings, the organisation has significantly expanded its reach and impact over the years.

“Achieving social change is a multi-stakeholder intervention from government, private, NGOs and people affected,” said Loh Cheng Kooi, the executive director of WCC.

“It is about empowering survivors to change their own lives and moving society to end patriarchal norms.”

Loh, who has led the organisation since 1997, highlighted WCC’s evolution from its early days as the Women’s Crisis Centre to its current role as a key advocate for women’s and children’s rights.

“Although the idea was mooted in 1982, it wasn’t until three years later that WCC was formally registered as a society on 1st July 1985, with the support of 70 women and men,” she recalled.

Despite facing numerous challenges, including financial constraints, WCC has remained steadfast in its mission to end violence against women and children.

“We started in a small room of the local municipality at Macalister Road before moving to a terraced house in Jones Road.

Eventually, we managed to raise enough funds to purchase our own building on Burma Road,” Loh shared.

The expansion continued in 2009, when WCC opened a second office on the mainland of Penang, thanks to support from the state government.

Expanding impact through strategic partnerships

Over the years, WCC has forged crucial partnerships with government hospitals, offering crisis counselling to victims of domestic and sexual violence.

These collaborations have strengthened WCC’s service advocacy work, allowing them to work closely with government agencies, educators, and local communities.

“WCC currently works with six main and district government hospitals to counsel victims of sexual assault or domestic violence,” Loh noted.

In addition to local efforts, WCC is a member of the Joint Action Group for Gender Equality (JAG-GE), a national coalition of 14 Malaysian women’s rights organisations.

Through this alliance, WCC continues to advocate for legal reforms that protect women and children.

WCC’s mission has grown to encompass not only the elimination of violence but also the empowerment of women and the promotion of gender equality and social justice.

“Our work is empowerment, not welfare. When you want to help women, you assist with no expectations,” Loh emphasised.

“When we counsel a woman, we help her make informed choices.

Ultimately, those in an abusive relationship have to make their own decision and decide their future for themselves and their children.”

As WCC looks to the future, its vision remains clear: to create an inclusive society free from gender violence and discrimination, where women can fully actualise their potential.

The organisation’s dedication to this cause has made it a cornerstone of the community, offering shelter, support, and advocacy to those in need.

By continuing to build partnerships and expand its reach, WCC remains committed to empowering survivors and advocating for systemic change.

The organisation’s unwavering dedication serves as hope for many, ensuring that the fight against gender violence will carry on until it is eradicated.

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