SAWO: Sabah Women's Action-Resource Group
What is SAWO and what does it do?
SAWO, the Sabah Women's Action-Resource Group, was formed in 1985 to combat violence and injustice against women and children. It raises public awareness, advocates for better laws and policies, provides support services and helps build the capacity of other agencies.
SAWO at a glance
The Sabah Women's Action-Resource Group, known as SAWO, has worked for women and children in Sabah since 1985. Its mission is to combat violence and injustice against women and children, an aim it has pursued through advocacy, campaigns and direct support.
Over the decades, SAWO has run public awareness campaigns, lobbied for better legal protection and provided support to women and children in need. Its work continues today across the state.
Formed in 1985, SAWO works to combat violence and injustice against women and children through awareness, advocacy, support services and capacity building.
Founding and mission
SAWO was formed in 1985 by a group of women and men concerned about the rising incidence of violence against women and children (SAWO profile on Hati.my, checked 6 October 2026). From the outset, its mission has been to combat violence and injustice against women and children, addressing problems that were often hidden or under-acknowledged at the time.
By organising around these issues, SAWO helped bring questions of women's safety and rights into wider public discussion. Its early work laid the groundwork for the campaigns and services that would follow in the years ahead.
Campaigns and advocacy
SAWO has a long record of advocacy. Working with other NGOs in Malaysia, it launched a Campaign Against Violence Against Women in September 1986 with a two-day public workshop and exhibition (SAWO profile on Hati.my, checked 6 October 2026), helping to raise awareness of an issue that had often gone unspoken.
Since then it has continued to lobby for better protection and assistance for women and children, and to advocate for positive changes to the laws and policies that affect women.
SAWO's work shows how sustained campaigning can move an issue from public awareness toward concrete legal protection.
Support services
Alongside campaigning, SAWO provides support services to women and children in need, turning advocacy into practical help for people affected by violence.
Anyone in immediate danger should contact the police or go to the nearest hospital emergency department. See our emergency contacts guide for numbers.
Capacity building
SAWO also runs capacity-building activities to strengthen agencies and NGOs that work with women and children. Reaching beyond cities matters in a state where many people live in smaller towns and villages, sometimes far from formal services.
This approach reflects an understanding that lasting change depends on local leadership and trust.
How to connect with SAWO
SAWO is based in Kota Kinabalu. Its website, sawo.org.my, was not loading when checked on 6 October 2026, so its Facebook page is the best place to look for current contact details and campaigns.
For anyone interested in women's and children's welfare in Sabah, these are useful starting points.