Project Staircase
A project to train and supervise individuals such as community leaders, mobilisers to have better case management skills, gender-based violence awareness and trauma-informed care. These individuals are influential in their communities as they can influence and serve their community.
The programmes conducted by SWWB include multidisciplinary case management training, gender-biased violence awareness programmes and trauma care programmes.
Multidisciplinary Case Management Training
Aim: equip community mobilizers to respond to Sexual Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) cases with practical knowledge (what) and actions (how) based on case management perspectives, e.g. legal, medical, mental health, and social work
Outcomes:
reached out and trained at least 43 participants inclusive of 38 refugee community mobilisers (Myanmar 31, Somalia 3, Iran 2, Sudan 1, West Africa 1; 28 females, 10 males) and 5 local Malaysians
developed a multidisciplinary case management module, with the funding from UNFPA. We partnered with Asylum Access Malaysia (AAM), Selangor & Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur Family Reproductive Health Association (SWP FReHA) and Health Equity Initiatives (HEI).
organised monthly refresher training and supervision from January 2026 to June 2026.
Trauma Care Program
Aim: equips community to be trauma-aware, trauma informed and trauma sensitized. Through the sessions, we learn to better respond to traumas, challenges and difficulties in lives for ourselves and others, especially for the marginalized communities who face daily stressors.
Outcomes:
did program across 6 weeks with a total of 12 sessions where we taught trauma, counselling first aid, emotional regulation and art therapy
30 refugee community mobilizers trained in November and December 2025
Aim: run gender-based violence (GBV) awareness programmes and train community mobilizers to run the GBV awareness programmes in their own community with their native language.
Outcomes:
27 community mobilisers joined our trainers’ program to gain awareness on GBV, with the funding from UNHCR in 2025
8 GBV awareness programs were held in 5 different communities: Iranian, Sudanese, Somalian, Myanmar, and Rohingya to reach out to a total of 530 refugees.
Gender-based violence awareness program and training of trainers
Testimonies from the community mobilisers
I feel happy and proud to be able to talk openly about Gender-Based Violence in my community. It is a very sensitive topic that many people are often afraid to discuss. By raising awareness, I feel that I am helping my community understand that violence is wrong and that everyone deserves safety and respect.
This experience has made me feel more confident and courageous. Before, I was afraid to speak about Gender-Based Violence, but now I feel empowered because I have the knowledge and support to raise my voice and help others.
I hope that refugees can live in a safe community free from fear, where people speak up against violence and support survivors with kindness, dignity, and respect.
- Nurtaz (Rohingya), Penang Refugee Network (PRN)
I feel happy and encouraged to be able to openly share and talk about Gender-Based Violence with my community. This opportunity allows me to raise awareness and help people better understand their rights and where to seek support. Although it can sometimes be challenging, I feel empowered and proud to speak up, support others, and be part of positive change in my community. Speaking openly about this topic in my community was new for me, and it was encouraging to see people become more aware and engaged.
In the future, I hope for a community where Gender-Based Violence is not tolerated and survivors feel safe to speak up and seek help. I also hope for more awareness programs, stronger protection systems, and better access to services for survivors. Moving forward, I wish to continue building my skills so I can keep supporting my community and contributing to meaningful and lasting change.
- Amal (Somali), Somali Refugee Centre (SRC)
Being given the opportunity to be trained and empowered to run a Gender-Based Violence program in my community has filled me with a strong sense of responsibility and purpose. Creating a safe space to talk openly about Gender-Based Violence helps break the silence, reduce stigma, and raise awareness within the community. This experience has increased my confidence and motivation by strengthening my belief that informed voices can inspire change and support those who may feel unheard. It is not only about sharing knowledge but also about listening, having empathy, and doing collective reflection.
I hope for continued open conversations, stronger support systems, and a community where Gender-Based Violence can be prevented through awareness, education, and collective action.
- Asma (Iranian), Iranian Refugees and Asylum Seekers Society (IRAAS)
I am very concerned because Gender-Based Violence is still a serious and often misunderstood issue in our community. However, I also felt hopeful that discussing it openly would bring greater understanding and encourage people to take action to stay safe. This experience motivated me to continue raising awareness so that more people can better understand their rights. I feel more empowered and confident as a result.
Being able to lead and speak during this awareness-raising activity helped me build my skills, strengthen my confidence, and deepen my understanding of the issue. It showed me that I can play an important role in creating a safer environment for others in the community.
I hope that more community members will recognize the importance of addressing Gender-Based Violence, including how to prevent it and how to support survivors. Above all, I hope our communities become safer spaces where everyone—especially women and children—can live free from violence and fear.
- Mang (Kuki, Myanmar), Kuki Democratic Student Front (KSDF)