Women’s Empowerment Program

SWAN staff. Photo: Renae Davies.

Thai Burma border

Partner: Shan Women’s Action Network

Funding source: IWDA supporters and AusAID – ANCP

Issue: Displaced women from Shan communities in Burma have limited access to information about their rights, supportive networks and opportunities to influence community decision-making, increasing their vulnerability to discrimination, exploitation and violence.

Outline: The Women’s Empowerment Program comprises a series of exchange forums and events run by the Shan Women’s Action Network on the Thai Burma border. These events promote women’s empowerment, advancement and wellbeing by increasing awareness of issues of violence and how to overcome barriers to women’s participation. The Women’s Empowerment Program also organises special events with women’s groups, teachers and community leaders. The events promote community solidarity and increase dialogue and awareness in relation to violence against women.

Impact: In 2010–11, over 250 women from three villages on the Thai Burma border discussed health and well-being, human rights and community leadership. Community action teams were established in three villages to enable women to further their knowledge, skills and action for change. Nine hundred people attended a community awareness-raising event on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, contributing to positive changes in community attitudes to addressing violence against women.

Tags: Capacity Building, Safety and Security, SWAN, Thai Burma Border
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