She said: “A lot of sexual violence is perpetrated against girls under 18. Is it due to cultural factors or a lack of justice and the rule of law? There are a lot of these cases but they often go unreported.

“These cases are related to traditional culture and drug abuse. Unemployment also plays a part, when people are unemployed they feel disappointed so they drink and then become violent.”

She said that though solid data is not yet available there are at least three or four incidences of violence against women every month in Karenni State.

To eliminate violence against women those who have been assaulted should not keep quiet. Instead they should report the incidents to prevent more violence occurring.

Ma El War from the Women’s Galaxy group said: “To eliminate this violence against women we need to do many things. The community has to know about violence against women. Once the community knows about this violence and accepts that it is happening they will be able to eliminate the violence.”

She said that sexual violence against women is still happening during the present peace-building period and that it should not happen in a democracy.

Currently the KNWO is offering support to women affected by violence and sharing their knowledge and educating people about violence against women.

The conference to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women was called Hope for Justice and it was organised and led by the Women’s Center, the Women’s Safe House, Women’s Galaxy, and the KNWO.

It was held at held at the Mod-Du-Kala-Mae Hall in Shu-Phel-Khu Ward of Demawso Township, in Karenni State from 25th November to 10th December.

Translated by Aung Myat Soe English version written by Mark Inkey for BNI