SHAH ALAM, 12 June: The Women’s Empowerment Centre (PWB) Legal Clinic has been created under the Selangor Welfare and Women’s Affairs portfolio to help women receive advice on a case or issue they might face in everyday life.
The clinic which was first implemented in 2013 has made Batu Tiga the pilot by offering professional legal services selected by the customers themselves.
The Executive Councillor in charge, Rodziah Ismail, said that the clinic has received 15 cases, among them accident cases where there is difficulty in receiving insurance compensation, not receiving recognition as a person with disabilities (PWD), fraud in the issuing of foreigner passports and domestic violence.
She said that the reactive efforts of the Legal Clinic is to provide advocacy to local women about laws, regulations and procedures that must be known in order to protect themselves and to receive their rights.
“In dealing with the various problems faced by women, it should also be accompanied by counselling sessions to guide women and families with problems to find a solution which can bring peace and hope for a better future for the involved parties.
“All too often, women do not know where to complain or obtain guidance on what they are facing and how to solve it. Therefore, we have provided this Legal Clinic so that women can obtain advice from the panel of experts,” she said in a statement.
Rodziah, who is also the Assemblywoman for Batu Tiga, said that the PWB Legal Clinic should be supported by proactive efforts, advocacy, counselling and decision-making process that are gender sensitive, involving those from the legislative, executives, local governments and Selangor district offices.
She is also of the opinion that women should be in the local women’s network to share knowledge, experience and to help and support each other.
“It can motivate, provide strength and provide new ideas on how to overcome the challenges faced, and also to shape personal living, families and the community better.
“Women often give up because the system is laden with bureaucracy and it takes a very long time to resolve.
“Many women feel unable to get what they are entitled to because the process requires considerable expense,” she said.
The Legal Clinic at the Batu Tiga PWB is open every Saturday from 9.30am to 12.30pm, and those who are interested can call 03-55212342 or 03-5519 0600 to obtain counseling services.
