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.

In countries like Indonesia and the Philippines, journalists investigating corruption, environmental destruction, or military abuses have faced violence, including targeted killings and legal harassment.

When Lidia de Jesus looks back at her life just a few years ago, she remembers fear, isolation and uncertainty. Today, she is helping lead a national movement for domestic workers in Timor-Leste. 

The Viet Nam Women’s Academy, in collaboration with the Union Aid Abroad–APHEDA, held an international workshop in Ha Noi called “Enhancing Opportunities for Women Candidates to be Elected to People’s Councils at All Levels”.

In Cambodia, earning a living often comes at a high personal cost. Women are overrepresented in low-paid, insecure jobs where long hours, unsafe conditions and weak legal protections are common. For street vendors, factory and hospitality workers, or women carrying heavy loads on construction sites, basic rights are often out of reach.