This project will use a participatory, community-level approach to examine women’s economic and political empowerment in seven ethnic communities in Shan State (Danu, Intha, and Pa-O in southern Shan State and Akha, Lahu, Palaung, and Shan in eastern Shan State).
Pathways to economic and political empowerment tend to be inextricably linked. The project will examine cultural and social norms at the household and community level that affect women’s economic and political participation; the commonalities and differences across ethnic groups; the impact of decentralization on women’s participation in economic and political decision-making; and current initiatives to increase women’s economic and political participation at the local level.
The project will put forward culturally-sensitive and gender-transformative recommendations using practical examples from fieldwork in the villages. These recommendations will inform integrated initiatives and influence policy through discussion and uptake among local and regional decision-makers in Shan State. The Myanmar Institute for Integrated Development, together with four well-established grass-roots organizations across the southern and eastern regions of Shan State, will jointly deliver the project.
Lead Partner
Myanmar Institute for Integrated Development (MIID)
Outputs
Elevating women leaders in Myanmar
Voices of Ethnic People In Shan State About Gender Equality Photo Essay