Chin Civil Disobedience Movement. Photo: Burma News International.
In the face of adversity, extraordinary individuals can create waves of change that transform communities. ALTSEAN, one of Union Aid Abroad–APHEDA’s partner organisations, leads this vision through its Women of Burma (WOB) program. Focused on empowering Burmese women, the program runs in-depth training equipping participants with skills in human rights, advocacy, project management, social cohesion, English, teamwork, and leadership.
When the Myanmar military staged its coup in early 2021, the country plunged into a new period of authoritarian rule. Amid this turmoil, the WOB program became more crucial than ever, nurturing the resilience and organising capacity needed to meet the challenges of the time.
Stepping up
For Cici, a Chin woman, the coup changed everything. She set aside her dreams of higher education to focus on addressing the urgent needs of her community. Internally displaced people (IDPs), Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) activists, and human rights defenders needed her support—and Cici found herself ready to lead, thanks to the confidence and skills she gained through the WOB program.
Similarly, Flower, also from Chin State, joined the second WOB internship cohort later that year. Initially shy and hesitant to speak in public, Flower emerged from the program transformed, with newfound self-assurance and leadership capabilities.
Building a movement
Cici and Flower connected through the program and quickly realised the power of collaboration. Cici, who had been providing individual support to activists and IDPs, recognised the need for a more coordinated approach. Together, they founded The Ladies—an organisation that challenges traditional perceptions of women’s groups in Chin State, which are often limited to “women’s issues.” Instead, The Ladies leads the way in addressing diverse community needs across multiple sectors.
Driving impact
In just three years, The Ladies has grown into a thriving organisation with a team of 15 workers and 4 volunteers. The group has secured international aid funding and developed impactful programs across four key areas:
- Humanitarian Relief: Delivering essential support to internally displaced people.
- Sustainable Livelihoods: Offering training programs that create opportunities for long-term stability.
- Rights Awareness: Educating communities on human rights, international humanitarian law, and women’s rights.
- Community Engagement: Building relationships and campaigns with youth leaders and civil society groups to inspire and sustain their activism.
The work has been transformative for their community, particularly in Chin State, where an estimated 50% of the population has been displaced by conflict. Their humanitarian efforts have earned widespread respect, and their awareness-raising initiatives have reached civilians and Ethnic Armed Organisations alike. By educating these groups about international humanitarian law and conflict-related sexual violence, The Ladies ensures that the rights of civilians are upheld even in the most challenging circumstances.
Hope in solidarity
Cici and Flower’s journey from WOB interns to founders of The Ladies exemplifies the power of women-led initiatives in fostering resilience and building movement. By defying expectations and stepping into leadership roles, they’ve not only transformed their own lives but have become catalysts for change in their community.
Their story reminds us that, even in the darkest times, the determination and collaboration within communities can light the way to a brighter future.
The Women of Burma (WOB) program is supported by the Australian Education Union (AEU).