In 1997, Burma’s culture and human rights landscape were deeply male-dominated. Women had played a foundational role in the 1988 Uprising –through protests, marches, and resistance– but their leadership was rarely recognised or respected. Against this backdrop, the Women of Burma internship program was launched by ALTSEAN-Burma, with support from Union Aid Abroad–APHEDA. Starting with just two interns, the program created a safe space for young women activists to build advocacy and movement-building skills.
Nearly three decades later, the need for women’s leadership is just as urgent as ever. Since the 2021 military coup, communities across Myanmar have faced escalating violence, displacement, and political repression. Yet, women, especially those from ethnic minority backgrounds, continue to lead community organising and advocacy efforts.
The program brings together women from civil society organisations across Myanmar and the Thai-Myanmar border. Over several months, they receive intensive training in human rights, advocacy, project management, gender, and political systems. Participants arrive with diverse experiences and confidence levels. For many, it is their first time working alongside people from different ethnic communities or countries. Through mentoring, shared learning, and hands-on training, they develop the skills to make meaningful contributions to their communities and the wider movement.
Six months after completing the program, all alumni report that the internship significantly strengthened their leadership abilities. As Philia, a Kachin participant, explains:
“The best impact is found [on] my self-esteem, and I have more confidence in myself.” She also notes the practical benefits: “Media monitoring is the most helpful for me and it is really assisting human rights documentation.”
From Theory to Practice
A defining feature of the internship is its emphasis on real-world application. Interns design and implement their own advocacy projects, putting their learning into action. In 2025, one group developed a landmine risk awareness initiative to address the growing threat in Myanmar. The project trained local volunteers and reached 100 children and young people in camps and villages, teaching them about landmine dangers and safe practices.
Yuna, a program intern, describes her transformation:
“Before the internship, I had not been able to know how to run and manage a project, learn about the many topics related to politics, and had no experience in communication with foreign people. After finishing an internship at ALTSEAN, I can easily understand the elements of a program. It helps me to consider risks, methodology, and log frame, etc., for our mini project.”
Interns also participate in role-play scenarios based on real challenges they may face, such as engaging with community leaders on sensitive issues or explaining project delays caused by conflict. These exercises help them refine their advocacy skills and prepare for the realities of working in complex, high-risk environments.
Building Confidence and Connection
For many participants, engaging in regional advocacy spaces represents a significant shift in perspective. At events like the Asia Pacific Social Forum and International Civil Society Week in Bangkok, interns connect with civil society actors and human rights organisations from across the region. These experiences deepen their understanding of how advocacy operates at local, national, and international levels.
Elena, another participant, shares:
“My confidence working with people from different ethnic and religious backgrounds has increased significantly. This internship program guided me to work in a career related to our country’s community.”
Strengthening a Movement
The program’s impact extends beyond individual development. Alumni are now applying their skills within their organisations, supporting project design, delivering training, and contributing to advocacy efforts. Alumni gatherings in Mae Sot and Mae Hong Son in 2025 provided a space for women from different backgrounds to reconnect, share experiences, and discuss collective responses to ongoing challenges.
One alumni reflects on the importance of these gatherings:
“I think the alumni gathering was very good and beneficial. It was useful to meet again in different batches and to share and discuss. At the same time, we were able to discuss the current urgent situation and talk about what advocacy and collective actions we could do together.”
Despite the ongoing crisis, the Women of Burma program remains a vital force in empowering women to take on leadership roles, build networks, and drive long-term social change.