Women’s Centre for Change, Penang (WCC)

Who are we

WCC is a registered, tax-exempt, non-profit organisation set up in 1985 to help women and children facing crisis, irrespective of race, religion, or social background. Our work is to provide immediate assistance for women needing crisis intervention, as well as to undertake programmes to promote gender equality in our society.

As a membership organisation, WCC elects a General Committee at its Annual General Meeting. This committee is responsible for both decision-making and guidance of WCC’s work functions which are co-ordinated and implemented by full-time staff with the help of volunteers.

Our vision

WCC envisions a society free from gender violence and discrimination, and where women can actualize their full potential.

Our mission

WCC is committed to:

• Eliminating violence against women
• Empowering women and children
• Promoting gender equality and social justice

Our Work
Services

• Free and confidential counselling, and legal advice, both face-to-face and through the telephone.
• Help in seeking medical, welfare, and police assistance if required.
• Providing temporary shelter for women and children.
• Training service providers to work with abused women and deepening their knowledge on issues of violence against women.

Community Outreach

• Conduct talks in schools, colleges, universities, and community organizations on child sexual abuse, violence against women, women’s rights, and issues relating to teenage relationships.
• Organise seminars and conduct courses on violence against women and children.
• Hold exhibitions and man information booths at events to publicise these issues.

Lobbying And Advocacy

• Campaign for changes in law affecting women and children, including sexual harassment, rape, domestic violence, and gender inequality.
• Work with both non-government organisations and government agencies to promote legal reform concerning women and children.

Education

• Disseminate information on women’s and children’s rights through the publication of pamphlets, books, and the WCC website.
• Produce training material and teaching aids for service providers.

Research

• Research social problems that affect the lives of women and children, for example, divorce and child custody/maintenance, rape, Muslim women and their rights.