Art is a very important and critical agent of change, Art has an undisputed place in contemporary social activism as it has a vibrant history of promoting important messages of social change and acted as a medium to raise public awareness on issues. PWDC is constantly seeking new and innovative ways to mainstream gender awareness in the consciousness of society and have recently engaged actively in the arts to spread the message of gender equality, inclusivity and social justice.
VOICES, a PWDC original project, is an exploration of the creative writing as a tool for empowerment.The project provides women writers the opportunity for self-discover y and self-expression through personal narratives as well as an opportunity for development as writers. For the second year in a row, VOICES partnered with George Town Literary Festival 2016, to bring women’s stories and writers to the international platform.
PWDC in collaboration with MBPP and Han Chiang College organized the “Graffiti Wall @ Youth Park”. PWDC facilitated a session for the college students to explore gender issues. The students then came up with a series of art pieces with the theme “Gender Equality & Women’s Rights” which is on display at the MBPP graffiti walls at the Youth Park.
PWDC works closely with the State Government and Local Government to mainstream gender. As valued added partners, PWDC often functions as a consultant for integration of gender perspectives as well as women’s rights and good governance.
Young people are not only important stakeholders of the future but also Leaders of Today. PWDC is working towards developing young people who are inclusive and gender-sensitive who are actively participating in current issues to challenge the current status-quo and contribute to advancing gender equality, development and human rights
PWDC has developed special modules specifically for Men to discuss and deconstruct toxic masculinity in an effort to highlight the damaging affects of traditional stereotypes towards women and men. The module also explores the relationships men have with women in their personal space, in the work space and public spaces. This effort is a big step towards meaningfully including Men in the quest to achieve Gender Equality.
Through the Women's Leadership in Local Governance Training, trained 87 people with 6 alumni appointed as Local Councillors (Ahli Majlis PBT). WEL plays a significant role in enabling & streghtening the women's leadership pipeline into local government.
Full Credit to Artist Sophie Labelle
Developed "Ini Hal Lelaki" module to engage men in coversations about toxic masculinity - its manifestations, impact & its role in the construction of relationships with others within the private and public sphere.
Realising Equality Together
30% minimum quota for women's participation as a judging criteria in the District Level JKKK Awards towards increasing & strengthening grassroots women's capacities and leadership.
Gender awareness & sensitization session included in "Kursus Pemantapan dan Pengukuhan JKKK" attended by about 600 JKKK members from all five districts in Penang.
30% minimum quota for women's participation and leadership in the Rural Development Policy of Penang (Dasar Pembangunan Desa Pulau Pinang) to be launched in 2016.
State govt. to allocate RM30,000 per Assemblyperson (ADUN) for women's activities and empowerment in their area towards empowering grassroots women.
WEL activities contributed a total of 10 activites out of 13 organized for the first ever, month long; state wide International Women’s Day 2016 celebrations.