Half of Malaysia, Fundraising Exhibition for WAO

Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO) was established in 1982 when it opened its Refuge, Malaysia’s first shelter for battered women and their children. Currently, the Refuge shelters an average of 100 women and 140 children per year. WAO has also expanded to include two additional operational centres: a Child Care Centre for the children of its former residents and the WAO Centre, which functions as an advocacy and service centre for the public. In addition, WAO continues to play a leading role in advocacy, public education as well as law and policy reform to bring about gender equality.

This year, WAO celebrates its 25th year of service to women and children.

Among the events lined up to commemorate this important milestone is an art fundraiser entitled Half of Malaysia. Besides WAO being half the age of Malaysia, the title of the fundraiser also recognises that women constitute half the population of this country.

The artworks will be on display at the Underground Gallery until 30 July 2007. Gallery opening hours will be between 10am to 6pm on Sunday, 29 July 2007 and Monday, 30 July 2007.

For further inquiries, please contact Gabrielle Low at 012-2182771 or Adrian Kisai at 012-9429959.

Proceeds from the sale of artworks will go towards WAO’s Refuge and Child Care Centre.

Angela Hijjas will conduct a tour of Rimbun Dahan on Sunday 29th July, including the garden, Rumah Uda Manap, the herb garden Taman Sari, the gallery and artists studios. Meet at the front gate of Rimbun Dahan at 9am. See map.

For participants of the tour, a donation of RM20 per person, children RM10, will go to support the work of WAO. Refreshments will be provided at the end of the visit that should take about three hours. Please wear long sleeves and trousers, and bring along mosquito repellent.

Selected Artworks From the Half of Malaysia Fundraiser