Creating a violence free community is the responsibility of all. And for that March 8 serves as a good reminder of just how much of a role all and sundry have played in making a zero-violence society a reality.

March 8 is International Women's Day, an occasion born out of the struggle to make justice, equality and human rights as rightfully belonging to women as they do men.

To continue its efforts in ensuring these and a violence-free community are attainable realities, All Women's Action Society (AWAM) is organising a series of events in conjunction with the IWD 2006, the theme being "The Power is Everyday".

Supporting Awam's programmes this year is Italian-cuisine serving Caffe 1920 which through its collaboration will highlight issues concerning violence against women (VAW). This will be done through its Hi-Tea sessions at its outlets in Bangsar Village and The Curve beginning at 3pm.

IWD coordinator Ho Wai Ling said four sessions on different subjects related to VAW will be presented by Awam at Caffe 1920 outlets. The talks will be about an hour long.

"On March 11 at The Curve we will talk about gender equality while on March 18 at One Utama our topic concerns date rape. On March 26 at Bangsar Village the issue will be domestic violence and the last session will take place on April 1 at The Curve where we will talk about sexual harassment.

Opportunity to learn

"We are confident the diners will stand to benefit a great deal as they will have the opportunity to learn more about the topics, all of which have crucial bearings in determing the welfare of women-folk in our country," she said at a press conference to announce the AWAM-Caffe 1920 partnership at The Curve recently.

Also present were Awam president Judith Loh-Koh and Awam Alliance Building manager Betty Yeoh.

The venue aside, Caffe 1920 has gone a step further by pledging RM5,000 to Awam's activities. Throughout the month of March, its outlets will also sell merchandise comprising T-shirts, bags and reference books, proceeds of which will go to Awam. And on March 8 in particular, 10 per cent of the proceeds made from the sale of these items will be donated to Awam.

Caffe 1920's executive director Andrea Villa said thanks to his mother who was very active in the women's movement back home, he grew up being very familiar with the sigificance of IWD.

"I found the awareness among Malaysians on IWD lacking and hence we decided to join hands with Awam and do our bit to try and raise awareness on women's issues in the country. IWD is one of the meaningful dates to remember and reflect upon and Caffe 1920's effort is to help increase its worldwide importance," he said.

While Hi-Tea prepared by Caffe 1920 costs RM35 per person inclusive of the talk, a package of RM120 will cover all four talks.