The Women’s League of Burma (WLB) delivered a nine-point presentation about the role of women in the peace process during the ethnic summit that is currently taking place in Maijayang in eastern Kachin State.
Invited to speak for the first time at such an event, the WLB discussed the repercussions of war for women who are often innocent victims. At past ethnic summits, the civil society group was only allowed to attend as observers.
WLB General Secretary Daw Julia Marip explained it’s vital for the ethnic leaders to consider the role of women and other fundamental issues during political discussions and the drafting of the federal union constitution.
Security, justice, and displacement from fighting were brought up during her presentation. As well as the role of women in the peace process, calling for more participation.
Marip said that the WLB has been working with the various ethnic groups to establish a genuine federal union that will ensure equality for everyone.
Seventeen ethnic armed groups are attending the four-day summit that ends 29 July.
Besides the WLB, other civil society groups in attendance are the United Nationalities Alliance (UNA), the Nationalities Brotherhood Federation (NBF), the Pyidaungsu Institute (PI), the Ethnic Nationalities Affairs Centre (ENAC), and Nyein Foundation.
Reporting by Network Media Group
Translated by Thida Linn
Edited by BNI staff
