00:00Women's aid organisation senior social worker M. Mogana Devi
00:05has handled many harrowing cases in her years of working with the NGO since 2019.
00:13But the one case that remains etched in her memory revolves around the ordeal of a survivor
00:19who was denied menstrual pads, forced to eat expired bread
00:23and on some days left with nothing but water to survive.
00:25The perpetrator would restrain her inside the house. She cannot engage with anybody,
00:33no phones, she cannot go out, she's locked in, which is very disturbing. Psychologically,
00:39she would be insulted, spitted on and just very, very extreme abuse. For one woman to experience
00:48all forms of abuse and the intensity of each abuse was very much heartbreaking for me
00:55and I felt very disturbed. I was in shock.
01:01The fact that this has been endured for like 10 years was really crazy. It's like I couldn't
01:10digest it at first. To then know that the importance of domestic violence assistance
01:17and the services then really clicked in and that is what kind of fuelled up
01:23my passion towards this as well and the job that we all are doing collectively.
01:28Despite the horror she endured, the survivor found a way out.
01:35With WAO's help, she is now employed, living independently
01:39and even giving back to society by offering free tuition classes for underprivileged children.
01:45She also participated in a lot of art exhibitions and really pursued her passion.
01:54To see how someone who thought they would never live another day is now living so great
02:00and giving back to the community is just so inspiring, I would say.
02:07The trauma the survivor was put through is one reason why Morgana is pushing the government
02:12to fast-track the Social Work Profession Bill which would give social workers formal
02:16recognition and better resources to support women in crisis.
02:22She advised women who are going through domestic or gender-based violence
02:26to share their ordeal with a close friend or a neighbour if they do not have access to a phone.
02:33The first step is definitely reaching out to the close friend or you can contact any
02:37available service out there such as NGOs or even straight to the law enforcement.
02:44We assisted her with case management such as police reporting, we got her protection order
02:50where she won't be harassed or disturbed by the perpetrator anymore,
02:54we assisted her with her divorce case as well.
02:57WAO offers multiple lifelines for survivors including their hotline at 03-3000-8858
03:05from 9am to 5pm, 24-hour SMS WhatsApp support Tina at 018-988-8058
03:13and counselling, temporary shelter and employment assistance to help survivors regain independence.
03:20This year's International Women's Day carries the theme Accelerate Action,
03:24calling for urgent steps to uphold women's rights,
03:27ensure equality and empower survivors to reclaim their lives.
03:32FMT wishes all women Happy International Women's Day 2025.
Comments