Karen Young Women’s Leadership School

Students helping each other to read a letter. Photo: Renae Davies.

Thai Burma border

Partner: Karen Women’s Organisation

Funding source: IWDA supporters and AusAID – ANCP

Issue: Displaced women from Burma on the Thai Burma border are significantly under-represented in community decision-making and leadership and young women living in the refugee camps have limited formal post-Year 10 education, skills and leadership development opportunities.

Outline: The Karen Young Women’s Leadership School is a 12-month skills and leadership development program specifically designed for young women in the refugee camps on the Thai Burma border. Program participants study subjects that increase their confidence and awareness of gender issues and women’s rights, and provide practical and strategic leadership skills. They apply these in a two-month placement with a local community organisation, gaining practical leadership experience, raising community awareness of gender equality issues and contributing positively to community development.

Impact: The Karen Young Women’s Leadership School has continued to build the practical skills of young women, increasing their confidence and capacity as leaders, and providing opportunities for their positive participation in a community setting. Many graduates of the school have taken roles within KWO structures, local organisations and the community. After 10 years of operation, the school and its graduates are well known and highly respected.

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