On March 8th, International Women’s Day was celebrated in Laiza, the location of the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) headquarters.

Htoi Gender and Development Foundation organized the event under the theme of “ Let’s work together to achieve equality”

Htoi Gender and Development Foundation director Daw Nanpu told KNG, “The theme for this year 2023, is “ Let’s work together to achieve equality.”

When we talk about equality, it’s important to acknowledge that men and women have natural differences, such as their eating habits, health, and clothing preferences. Women also have a menstrual cycle that differs from men. However our goal is to ensure that these differences do not lead to inequality, and that everyone is treated fairly and with respect, regardless of their gender.”

She emphasized that achieving equal rights for women requires the cooperation of all people, including men. She also highlighted the issue of violence against women in Myanmar, and how women are disproportionately affected by the current political turmoil.

The ceremony was attended by civil society organizations in Laiza, individuals who participated in the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM), KIO officials and staff, as well as internally displaced people (IDPs). More than 700 people attended the ceremony at the Woichyai refugee camp, surpassing the expected number of attendees.