Women Organising For Change: Costing The Domestic Violence Act Campaign In Malaysia (C.1985-1996)

Abstract

This paper seeks to give a comprehensive but critical analysis of the negotiation process involved in getting the Domestic Violence Act (DVA) legislated in Malaysia. This is interesting because for the first time, local women's groups had mobilised across different identities and chosen to work with the state to fulfil a given objective. While this strategy lent solidarity and built alliances, the actors involved were also trying to protect their respective interests. Undoubtedly some compromises were made and the final form of the DVA leaves much to be desired; nevertheless the detailed documentation of the struggle may well provide useful lessons to other non-governmental organisations involved in championing useful causes.