Support local leaders in Burma as they reclaim control of their future

The tides are turning in favour of the resistance in Burma.

Since the 2021 coup d’état, resistance groups have steadily liberated villages across the country, with a shared objective of overthrowing the military junta. In some states, like Karenni State in eastern Burma, this process is well underway. Karenni resistance forces have gained control of approximately 90% of their territory. 

This means that Karenni authorities are now setting up their own systems to govern and administer public services—like healthcare, education and humanitarian relief—to communities across the state.

This is a significant step towards self-determination in Burma. With your support, Inter Pares’ counterparts have been working towards this for decades. And now, Indigenous communities have an opportunity to take control of their own futures.

Maw Reh Myar with women staff from the Ethnic Community Development Forum during a report launch in Yangon, in 2016. Credit: KSWDC.

Inter Pares supports KSWDC to strengthen Karenni communities, share skills and create sustainable systems that endure beyond immediate crises. Your solidarity sustains this work.

Will you consider making a gift to ensure Indigenous communities have control of their own futures in Burma?

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As the Burmese military is driven out of many towns and army bases, Karenni State is still endangered by landmines and ongoing airstrikes. This moment is fragile, but we and our counterparts are hopeful.

“Instead of giving up,” says Maw Reh Myar, “I worked hard to learn and make my voice heard.”

Maw Reh Myar is a woman leader in eastern Burma. Since she was a teenager, Maw Reh Myar has worked to increase women’s participation in decision-making spaces in Karenni State.  

When Maw Reh Myar started working with the Karenni Social and Welfare Development Center (KSWDC) in 2000, a long-term Inter Pares counterpart, she was the first and only woman on her team. As in many parts of Burma at the time, patriarchal norms dominated community spaces. Men were the strongest voices and women were largely absent from leadership roles.

Maw Reh Myar at the KSWDC office in 2007. She joined the organization after graduating, becoming the first and only woman—and the youngest—on her team. Credit: KSWDC.

At first, it was difficult for Maw Reh Myar. “Some of the older men did not understand the value of women and sometimes teased me,” she reflects. “[This] made it harder for me to learn.” 

But Maw Reh Myar persisted. She was determined to lead change from within. Over the years, she introduced gender workshops with KSWDC staff. At these workshops, Maw Reh Myar addressed gender inequalities and made clear that the lack of active participation of women was a major impediment to sustainable and just development. KSWDC began to incorporate gender equality into all their activities.

Today, thanks to her efforts, nearly half of KSWDC’s community development project committee members are elected women.

Will you become a monthly donor today to support women leaders like Maw Reh Myar? Your gift is an important investment in women's leadership in Burma.

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