Social Action for Women (SAW) was founded in June 25, 2000 to assist displaced women from Burma who are in crisis situations after having fled to Mae Sod, Thailand. SAW is based in Mae Sod and was established to support women facing difficulties through the provision of shelter, health education, rights awareness, counseling, and vocational training for unskilled women. SAW has expanded its focus population to include caring for and educating orphaned children and children of migrant parents.
In 2008, SAW was one of 25 organizations worldwide to receive the Red Ribbon Award from the UNDP for providing outstanding HIV prevention, treatment and education on a grassroots level.
Among the projects run by SAW, are the Safe House for abandoned babies, the Children's Crisis Center, the Women's Crisis Center, the Health Care House, which is a shelter for women living with HIV/AIDS, a Preschool and Middle School, the Reproductive Health Program and an Income Generation Program. In 2006, SAW started two new programs: the Women Talk Program and a Program against Gender-Based Violence.
By supporting vulnerable women and children, SAW hopes it will strengthen their abilities to face future challenges, minimize their risk of becoming involved in illicit activities and help them develop into healthy and productive members of society.
- To assist Burmese women and children affected by displacement along the Thai-Burma border by providing support services in areas of health, education and safe housing
- To provide counseling and training to helpless women and children
- To promote health education among migrant workers.
To meet its goals, SAW is closely collaborating with Mae Tao Clinic, Mae Sod Hospital, UNHCR (Mae Sod), World Vision, RH Network (Mae Sod), Committee for Protection and Promotion of Child Rights, Burmese Worker Associations and other women organizations in Mae Sod.