Strength of Women Gathering

IWDA Program Manager for the Thai-Burma border, Renae Davies, shares her experience after recently returning from the field where she met with IWDA partner, the Karen Women’s Organisation:

While most people were celebrating the Easter holiday last week, I was at a celebration of a different kind – in a refugee camp on the Thai Burma border.  I was there to honour IWDA’s partner organisation, the Karen Women’s Organisation (KWO), who were commemorating their 25th anniversary. Despite the scorching heat and dusty conditions in camp, the event was attended by over 400 people, and was a testament to the strength and spirit of KWO and a reminder of their considerable achievements over the last 25 years.  Not only have KWO provided essential support to women and their families, but they have been a tireless advocate for gender equality and human rights for all.  Bringing the voice of Karen women to the international stage, such as through their recent Walking Amongst Sharp Knives report, KWO have been a beacon for women’s rights in an often challenging environment, and have paved the way for other ethnic women’s organisations to mobilize in their communities. 

K'Nyaw Paw - Project Co-ordinator - Emerging Leaders Program

A KWO volunteer spoke at the event of the importance of support from donors, such as IWDA, who provide not only vital funds for projects, but also much needed information, networking and capacity building opportunities, as well as solidarity and friendship.    It was a great honor for me to attend the celebration on behalf of IWDA, who have proudly supported KWO for the last 10 years, in what is also our 25th year anniversary.  After a few words, I was pleased to present KWO with a small gift, of beautiful cloth depicting a women’s corroboree, painted by an aboriginal woman and celebrating the strength of women gathering.  KWO are a remarkable and resilient organisation, of strong and inspiring women, and we at IWDA look forward to continuing to work together with them in the future.

- Renae Davies – IWDA Program Manager – Thai-Burma Border

Read about KWO’s latest report, Walking Amongst Sharp Knives.

Tags: Karen Womens Organisation, Leadership and Participation, Thai Burma Border

This entry was posted on Thursday, April 15th, 2010 under Leadership and Participation, Recent, Thai Burma Border.