Evangelische Bank eG
IBAN: DE85 5206 0410 0000 0001 24
BIC: GENODEF1EK1
Malaysia: Protecting Women
Malaysia: Protecting Women from Violence
Human trafficking, exploitative working conditions, abuse at the hands of partners: the violence, to which women in Malaysia and Indonesia are subjected, has many faces. Together with Swiss missionary group Mission 21, the Basel Mission German Branch (BMDZ) is committed to securing the rights of, and protecting, vulnerable women.
In 2017, just short of 348,000 cases of violence against women and children were reported to the Indonesian Commission on Women’s Rights. However, the real figure could be far higher. Roughly 68 percent of all violent acts against women that are reported in Indonesia are cases of domestic abuse, which can include sexual violence. Migrant workers, who mostly work as maids in Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan and the Arabian region, are particularly vulnerable. Many suffer exploitative working conditions, violence and exploitation.
Women’s shelters: places of refuge
Women’s shelters offer a place of refuge. However, victims of violence sometimes have to travel hundreds of kilometres to receive protection. The Basel Mission German Branch, in cooperation with the Evangelical Mission in Solidarity and Mission 21, is supporting local partner organisations in their work to maintain and build shelters for women. The facilities are simple, the rooms are small. However, they allow victims to relax and receive advice and support.
Malaysia
4.5 million Indonesians live as migrant workers, including in Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong.
Overcoming patriarchal structures
Generally speaking, these assaults are perpetrated by men. And in most cases, the perpetrator is not brought to justice. Patriarchal structures and values are too deeply rooted in society: too rarely are the voices of the affected women heard. The victims are often poorly educated, financially dependent, and do not have the opportunity to find out about their rights or make a legal stand.
Through the project work carried out by Mission 21, the Basel Mission German Branch (BMDZ) offers support to the victims of violence and their families – particularly through targeted education, advice and care.
Project goals
The project protects and supports women in Malaysia and Indonesia who are affected by violence. It works for women’s rights and to overcome domestic abuse. It also helps to improve the working conditions of migrant workers, which are often exploitative. In cooperation with the Evangelical Mission in Solidarity and Mission 21, the Basel Mission German Branch supports local partner organisations in their work to maintain and build women’s shelters, in which the victims can relax and receive advice and support.
Project work
There are various aspects to the project work: employees of the churches and organisations involved are trained in how to provide pastoral care for affected women and children. Information campaigns sensitise the population to such issues as domestic abuse, and the trafficking of children and women. Victims of violence receive protection and legal advice at various centres and contact points. Migrant workers are informed of the risks and dangers of their activities. A regional network of activists promotes a platform, on which to demand women’s rights.
Project partners
The project is run by several church-run project partners in Malaysia and Indonesia: these include the Christian Conference of Asia (CCA), the Communion of Churches in Indonesia (PGI), the Network of Women Theologians in Indonesia (PERUATI), and various churches in both countries. This broad cooperation provides opportunities to sustainably improve conditions for women and children. The Basel Mission German Branch supports the project in cooperation with the Evangelical Mission in Solidarity and Mission 21.
We are pleased to hear that you are interested in this project. If you have any general questions, please use the contact form below. We are also happy to help you personally if you have any questions or require further information – by phone or by E-mail.
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