The Karen Women's Organisation was formed in
1949 and has a membership of over 30,000 women. KWO is a
community-based organisation of Karen women working in
development and relief in the refugee
camps on the Thai border and with IDPs (Internally Displaced
Persons) and women inside Burma. Since our formation in 1949 we have
expanded our focus from one of purely social welfare to try to
encourage an awareness of Women's Rights and to promote women’s
participation in the community decision making and political
processes.
The objectives of the KWO
- To assist women in the endeavour to be free from all forms of
oppression.
- To promote and empower women in all spheres of life, including
education and general living standards.
- To encourage women to participate in the struggle for freedom,
democracy and equality.
- To develop women's knowledge, ability and skills, including
political and organisational skills.
- To achieve the rights of women and equal status with men.
- To promote and maintain Karen culture and traditions.
KWO aims to empower women through offering various
capacity building trainings to teach skills, build confidence and
create new opportunities so that women will be better able to solve
problems. We are working hard to educate ourselves and our
communities so that we can work more effectively and advocate for
our struggle on the international stage.
We believe that women’s contribution is an
essential factor in the peace-building and national reconciliation
processes of Burma. |