Organized by Kanbawza Group in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement and the Yangon Region government, Women’s Week was held at the Kempinski Hotel in Nay Pyi Taw from March 6 to March 12.
Women’s Week is a tribute to International Women’s Day, formerly International Working Women’s Day, which falls on March 8 and celebrates the empowerment of current and future generations of women both in Myanmar and internationally. It also aims to boost equal gender rights and the promotion of women’s capacity as well as the understanding of women’s value in society to both men and women in Myanmar. The event also presents a rare opportunity to meet and talk with top female leaders working in the government sector, NGOs and the private sector.
Women’s Week-Myanmar is an effort to promote gender equality and raise women’s capabilities as part of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals.
Yu Wai Maung, the head of KBZ Group corporate social responsibility department mentioned the forum focus on one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which was to achieve gender equality and empowerment for women and girls. She said: “We are also launching two campaigns at the forum – ‘Whistle for Help’ campaign by the Akhaya Women Myanmar and ‘Safe City’ campaign by ActionAid. These campaigns are to fight violence against women, especially sexual violence, and to raise awareness and cooperation among the different communities to fight these crimes.”
State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi attended and gave a speech at the opening forum of the country’s Women’s Week celebration. She said: “Currently, there is a 30 per cent female participation rate in the peace process and I hope for half participation by women. Peace does not start at the meeting. It starts in the hearts of citizens. It concerns all citizens and women should take an active part in this process.”
