Speaking to FMT recently, WAO social worker Yogasri Sivanyanam said that some women felt that it was safer to celebrate Hari Raya in their shelters as it would enable them to avoid their abusers.

“They seem happy because they might not have celebrated Raya or any other occasions as peacefully as they have in the shelters.”

She added that the women at the shelters were given a choice as they were not forced to spend Hari Raya there.

“Some women do return to their kampung to celebrate Raya. However, if their families are far or it is not safe to return, they will choose to stay in the shelter.”

She added that although they were unable to celebrate with their blood relatives, those in the shelters welcomed the women as though they were part of their own families.

“The smiles on the faces of women and children give us a great deal of satisfaction and help us to believe in the work that we do.”

Yogasari said WAO would welcome Hari Raya with an open house where staff and board members celebrate with the women and children. The women are asked what special dishes they would like for Hari Raya.

“We also purchase ‘local delights’ like lemang, rendang and others. Sometimes, volunteers drop by to give them provisions and food for the celebration.”

According to WAO’s Communication Officer Kelvin Ang, 15 women would be spending their Hari Raya in the shelters this year.

The women are allowed to stay in the shelters no longer than three months.