A workshop in the Kachin State capital of Myitkyina on Friday explored gender equality and a 30 percent participation quota for women across all sectors.
The Kachin State social welfare and relief department organized the workshop jointly with the Gender Equality network at the Madira Hotel. Participants included local authorities and representatives from local organizations.
“The aim of our workshop is to let lawmakers know the problems on the ground level, so that they understand the situation,” May Sabe Phyu, director of the Gender Equality Network, told KNG.
Participants discussed equal participation of women in politics and the peace process, as well as anti-drug activities, and fair allocation of national resources and land.
“We need to consider a 30 percent [quota] of women’s participation in lawmaking and in the parliamentary departments,” Nang Kham Yin, who works with the Shan Women Development Network in Waingmaw Township, said.
She added that this is particularly necessary because the population of women in Burma is slightly higher than that of men.
“If respective people make changes, then there will be gender equality in Burma,” Nang Kham Yin explained.
European Union Ambassador to Burma Kristian Schmidt also attended the gender workshop in Myitkyina, and emphasized the importance of women’s participation in every sector.
