This story follows the journey of a young feminist in Karenni State to a gender policymaker shaping real change. It reveals how access to education and grounded, local engagement can turn advocacy into lasting policy — and how women are leading the way toward gender equity in conflict-affected Myanmar.
Background
My name is Rah Rah. I am an ethnic Kayan woman raised in Karenni State. Growing up, I witnessed how traditional norms in our community led to the discrimination and oppression of girls. Gender inequality was part of our daily lives; it shaped our roles in society and what opportunities we had available. Girls were discouraged from pursuing education, and it was seen as unnecessary because it was widely believed that girls’ future lay solely in marriage and serving their husbands’ families. Even in the workforce, women were paid less than men for doing the same work. These daily experiences of oppression and limited opportunities deeply influenced how I viewed injustice and sparked my commitment to becoming a women’s rights activist. That’s why, even before the coup, I spoke out as a young feminist continuing that dedication even after the coup.
However, despite our efforts and advocacy, there was no progress in creating effective systems to respond to gender-based violence. While I was working as a women’s rights activist, I came to understand that creating meaningful change requires not only advocacy but building mechanisms grounded in solid evidence, inclusive planning, and a deep understanding of the local context. But I didn’t know how or where to begin. I also lacked access to global knowledge and the best practices that could guide our work. I had the passion to speak out, but not yet the tools to build lasting solutions.
That’s why, when the Gender Lab, with support from IDRC, opened applications for a master’s program in Gender Studies at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), I didn’t hesitate to apply. I was accepted and after a one-year journey of growth and learning, I proudly earned my master’s degree by the end of 2023, an important milestone that helped me grow from an advocate into a changemaker.
Significant Change After Graduation
After my graduation, I was able to conduct a training for young researchers on effective research in ethnic areas across Myanmar. I also began serving as the Director of Women and Gender sub-department under the Women and Children Department of the Karenni Interim Executive Council — a role I continue to hold today.
In the past, as an activist, all I could do was advocate and demand what we needed. But over the past two years, I’ve not only pushed decision-makers to implement much-needed policies — I’ve also organized the development of concrete guidelines on women, peace, and security ensuring to always integrate a gender lens and creating of creating gender-responsive policies.
I was further able to raise awareness within our committee about the importance of gender budgeting, highlighting why such budgets are necessary and what they could support. As a result, we allocated gender-focused budgets to support social welfare for working mothers. While our resources remain limited, we’ve begun to offer support to women in conflict-affected areas.
I also played an organizing role in pushing for the development of gender protection laws. The GBV Guidelines we created are designed to provide protection and support for survivors across Karenni State — ensuring they not only receive care but also know where and how to seek help. This is a crucial step in ensuring protection and healing for women as, more women know what steps to take and where to turn when they experience gender-based violence.
Efforts for Change: Integrating GBV Protection into the Government
We’ve now finalized official GBV guidelines that were never developed in Karenni State. To ensure they are implemented effectively, we’ve been forming township-level working groups. These groups bring together various stakeholders: GBV service providers, police, judicial officials, health professionals, local administrators, and women’s organizations.
“When we speak as one voice, we can pressure decision-makers to act.”
We hold monthly meetings to provide updates and strengthen collaboration. These connections have made our advocacy stronger — when we speak with one voice, it’s easier to pressure decision-makers to act. I’ve also come to understand that effective advocacy must be grounded in evidence-based research.
For me personally, stepping into the role of a policymaker has been transformative. I also feel that my presence helps fill a crucial gap in human resources within KIEC, especially in areas where gender expertise is much needed.
Toward Sustainable Change: Learning for Gender Integration
True, lasting change cannot come from civil society organizations alone. We need transformation across the entire governing structure — gender perspectives must be integrated into all levels of government.
Why? Because without a gender lens, policies continue to ignore the realities women face. No matter how much we raise these issues, some stakeholders still believe gender concerns are unnecessary. Sometimes, they include women just for the sake of appearance, less giving them in decision-making power.
That’s why I’ve been working hard to build alliances — to strengthen our collective voice and apply more pressure where it counts. This includes connecting with scholars and academics who can back our efforts with research and credibility.
Evidence of Change
One of the most significant changes during this revolutionary period is the development of GBV (Gender-Based Violence) guidelines specifically for women in Karenni State. These guidelines are especially important now, as women are not only experiencing violence in their homes, but also within IDP (Internally Displaced Persons) camps. What’s different today is that these women now know they have the right to report such abuses—and that in itself is a huge step forward. People are beginning to work on setting up mechanisms that can formally respond to these complaints. It’s still in progress, but we are slowly seeing the structural shift towards justice for women.
Final Thoughts on Learning: Centering Local Realities, Bridging Gender and Policy
I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to study at AIT with a focus on gender, supported by IDRC and the Gender Lab. In Karenni State, very few women — especially ethnic minority women like me—have had access to specialized gender education. That’s why being selected for this opportunity meant so much to me.
At AIT, I took a wide range of courses such as Gender and Politics, Gender and Culture, and Gender and Economics, Social justice. The class that resonated with me the most was Gender Analysis by Professor Kyoko Kusakabe which I can directly apply to my current work.
AIT taught me many things, but the most lasting thing was this: for any real change to happen, it has to begin with the local context. I’ve carried that approach into my work at my current organization. Because when we talk about change, it’s not just a question of what needs to change but also how to bring it about, and how deeply we understand the lived realities on the ground.
Next Steps
Because of what I learned, I was able to shape significant policies and legislation around gender equity. But I know my work can’t stop there. Creating policies is only the first step — we must also implement them beyond just gender issues. To drive meaningful change, we need to take a broader view and understand the interconnections that shape people’s lives. That’s why I hope to continue studying public policy in the future: to deepen my understanding and keep working towards meaningful, sustainable solutions.