Second Mon Women’s Conference held in Moulmein

March 22, 2016

Last weekend Mon State’s capital Moulmein was host to the second Mon Women’s Conference.

The two-day event, running from March 19-20, was organised by the Mon Women’s Network, a consortium of various organisations from Mon State and the Thai-Burma border, including Jee-Pya, Saytanar, Mon Youth Progressive Organization (MYPO), Mon Youth Educator Organization (MYEO), Border Health Initiative (BHI), and Mon Women’s Organization (MWO).

The conference was held at Paing Khit Hall in Myintharyar Quarter and was attended by 118 representatives from 22 different organisations.

Mi Lawi Han, spokesperson for the organizing committee, explained, “We have organised this conference because today there are still very few women involved in politics and the peace process. Unity is weak among our nation. We have done this to build a foundation. We aim that in the future women will be able to take part in at least 30 per cent of these activities.”

Mi Lawi Han discussed her opinion that Mon women need to be ready for the time when they are given the opportunity to take part in politics and leadership.

On the first day of the conference, representatives from many different townships presented their concerns about issues affecting Mon women.

One representative explained, “In our area there is a lot of domestic violence. We do awareness raising with men and talk to them about this issue. It is easy for us to explain [about domestic violence] to those who understand the law a bit, but it’s harder when they don’t understand [the law] at all.”

UN Women representative Dr. Jone was also in attendance, taking questions and delivering a speech. In her remarks Dr. Jone talked about the event as a celebration of the birthday of the ancient Mon queen Shin Saw Pu, who promoted courage and empowerment amongst women. Dr. Jone also discussed a draft law for protection concerning violence against women, highlighting nine key points.

The conference culminated in representatives agreeing on a work plan and releasing a joint statement.

The first Mon Women’s Conference was held in 2014, at Sarsana monastery in Moulmein, Mon State.

Written by HURFOM · Filed Under News