She said: “Since the ceasefire was signed all we have seen are mega-projects being implemented in this area. So, because political conflicts have not yet been solved these projects must be stopped.”

The claim was made on 14th December at a Women’s Participation Seminar held at the Loikaw Hotel in Loikaw Township, Karenni State from 12th to 14th December.

The five main topics discussed at the seminar were: women and politics; women and education; women and health; the environment; and peace. The main proposals reached were put in an open letter sent to the state prime minister, political parties and armed groups.

The open letter said solving political problems and conflicts in ethnic areas during the ceasefire should be a priority and the healthcare budget should be increased.

Activity at the Yoar-Thit hydropower project, cement factory projects and mining projects has increased since the ceasefire was signed according to the women’s groups.

In the peace talks between the Karenni National Progressive Party and the government it was agreed that work on mega-projects would stop during the ceasefire period.

People have complained that there is no transparency in the Yoar-Thit mega hydropower project. The state prime minister, U Khin Maung Oo, told representatives of the government and the public at a meeting in Bawlakhe township in October that the government would research the project and once they had decided what to do they would hold a survey to find out people’s opinions on their plans.

The Women’s Safe House Organisation and other Women’s organisations surveyed people in four Karenni State townships to find out what obstacles and hardships they face as part of a 16-day conference held recently to mark Women Against Violence Day.

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