Across Myanmar and in refugee camps along the Thai border, the Karen Women’s Organisation (KWO) is a powerful force for justice, peace, and community resilience. With tens of thousands of members, KWO is more than an organisation—it is a movement of Karen women leading the way in health, education, social welfare, and political organising. Through their collective action, these women are strengthening their communities and demanding a future built on equality, human rights, and self-determination.
Women leading in uncertain times
Since the military coup four years ago, the situation in Karen State has remained unstable. Conflict and violence continue to displace communities, with over one million people seeking shelter in Karen State. Despite these challenges, Karen women are stepping up to organise support, provide essential services, and advocate for long-term solutions.
Across Myanmar, resistance groups, ethnic organisations, and civilian networks are building new governance structures in areas outside military control. This moment of political transformation is opening up critical discussions about democracy and justice. Women’s voices must be at the centre of these conversations, ensuring that the emerging systems are accountable, fair, and inclusive.
Woman-led community governance
KWO plays a key role in Karen community governance, ensuring that women have a voice in decision-making. Thousands of people rely on KWO’s community-based programs, which provide vital services while strengthening civil society.
To deepen their impact, KWO members have been leading education and training programs that equip women with the knowledge and confidence to take on leadership roles. Over the past year:
- 15 Central Executive Committee members and staff completed an in-depth Democracy for All training, exploring governance systems, democratic principles, and political structures.
- Four women participated in KWO’s new Advanced Political Training—an intensive three-month program designed to prepare women for leadership in governance.
- 3,731 community members took part in awareness-raising sessions covering gender equality, women’s leadership, child rights, and indigenous rights—helping to build a stronger foundation for a rights-based society.
Through these initiatives, KWO is not just responding to immediate needs but also shaping a future where women are active decision-makers in their communities and beyond.
Self-care for leaders
In the face of conflict and displacement, Karen women carry an immense burden—caring for their families, organising aid, and leading community efforts, all while enduring the trauma of ongoing violence. Recognising this, KWO has prioritised self-care and team-building to support its leaders.
Last year, KWO developed a new team-building and self-care training module, reaching 440 leaders through 14 workshops. These sessions provided much-needed opportunities for women to connect, reflect, and recharge—sometimes in the rare peace of nature, away from the pressures of daily survival.
Additionally, KWO trained 23 new trainers, equipping them with practical skills to strengthen grassroots leadership across different regions. These trainers will go on to mentor and empower even more Karen women, ensuring the movement continues to grow.
“I Have Found My Voice”
For many women, being part of KWO is a transformative experience.
“Before joining KWO, I was unaware of my rights and often felt unable to respond when others spoke to me. However, through my work with KWO and the various trainings I have attended, I have gained confidence in speaking publicly and providing training to the community. This experience has been very important and beneficial for my work with KWO,” says Mu Mu, a participant in KWO’s training programs.
Her story is just one of thousands—women who once felt unheard are now leading, educating, and fighting for justice.
Standing in solidarity with Karen women
Union Aid Abroad–APHEDA is proud to have a partnership with KWO, supporting their efforts to build women’s leadership, strengthen democratic governance, and advocate for the rights of Karen communities.
By standing in solidarity with Karen women, we are helping ensure that no one is left behind in the fight for justice and peace.
Join us—become an APHEDA member today and support democracy movements of Myanmar.
The Building Capacity of the Karen Women’s Organisation project is supported by the Australian Education Union and Australian Aid.
