Mingalarbar!
Welcome to the February 2019 Edition of the GEN Monthly Newsletter! A lot of workshops and consultation meetings were held in February and GEN also conducted the staff capacity building workshop at the end of the month. As the International Women’s Day is around the corner, everyone is looking forward to it.
We always request a GEN member, friend or staff to provide some insight into their participation with GEN. This month, we request Ma Yee Mon Oo, who recently became the Steering Committee member representing the INGO category and who is also an active GEN member, to shared her feelings and experience with GEN.
Mingalarbar…
I am very pleased to have a chance to write a greeting to you all for this month.I am Yee Mon Oo, a newly elected member of GEN Steering Committee. I work with Oxfam in Myanmar to fight against inequality, injustice and poverty by using my communications, campaigns and advocacy expertise.
I believe in the collective power to create a better society and I trust GEN is a network that brings likeminded personals and organisations together to fight for gender justice in Myanmar. It is my pleasure to be part of the network and I commit that I will provide my best contribution to the network and work for gender equality in Myanmar.Let’s work together for better and equal Myanmar!!!
GEN’s Highlights
Working Group meeting for International Women's Day was held on 30th January (Wednesday) from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm at GEN Resource Center. Working Group shared their activities of what they will do and discussed information of what they will continue. IWD working group discussed work plan and shared information to get collaboration.
National Strategic Plan For The Advancement of Women (NSPAW) and Gender Instruments Multiplier Training was held by Gender Equality Network with the corporation with Justice Movement For the Community as activity of EU funded project “Empower Civil Society Organization and Local Authorities promoting gender equality in Myanmar”. Gender Equality Network facilitated the training and 41 people (7 M, 34 F,) from 12 CSOs joined the two-day training from 28.1.2019 to 29.1.2019. The training was held at Phayar Ngar Sue -ECCD center, Phayar Ngar Sue Village,Linkin Village Track,Innlay.
National Strategic Plan For The Advancement of Women (NSPAW) and Gender Instruments Multiplier Training was held by Gender Equality Network with the corporation with KSWN as one of the activity of EU funded project “Empower Civil Society Organization and Local Authorities promoting gender equality in Myanmar”. Gender Equality Network facilitated the training and 29 people (10 M, 19 F,) from 3 CSOs joined the two-day training from 28.1.2019 to 29.1.2019. The training was held at Waimaw Township, Mya Thida Hall.
Working Group meeting (2nd time) for International Women's Day was held on 6th February (Tuesday) from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm at GEN Resource Center. Working Group shared their activities of what they will do and discussed information of what they will continue. IWD working group discussed work plan and shared information to get collaboration.
Gender Equality Network facilitated PEA (Political Economy Analysis) workshop on 31th and 1st February at No.438- Pyihtaung Su Road, Myay Myint Quarter, Wun Tawp Hotel, MyitKyina as one the activity of European Union Funded Project ‘’Empowered Civil Society Organization and Local Authorities promoting gender equality in Myanmar’’. 39 participants (M-13) (F-25) (Other-1) joined the two-day workshop which was facilitated by Daw Khin Ma Ma Myo with the staffs from partner organizations.
National Strategic Plan For The Advancement of Women (NSPAW) and Gender Instruments Multiplier Training was held by Gender Equality Network with the corporation with Women and Peace Action Network as one of the activity of EU funded project “Empower Civil Society Organization and Local Authorities promoting gender equality in Myanmar”. Gender Equality Network facilitated the training and 41 representatives (7 M, 34 F) from 5CSOs, DSW, Myanmar Women AffairFederation and Myanmar Mertenal Child and Women Association joined the two-day training from 5.2.2019 to 6.2.2019. The training was held at the Nay and Mya Hall,Shan State, Aung Ban Township.
National Strategic Plan For The Advancement of Women (NSPAW) and Gender Instruments Multiplier Training was held by Gender Equality Network with the corporation with TRY organization as one of the activity of EU funded project “Empower Civil Society Organization and Local Authorities promoting gender equality in Myanmar”. Gender Equality Network facilitated the training and 28 representatives (6 M, 19 F, Other 3) from 8CSOs joined the two-day training from 15.1.2019 to 16.1.2019. The training was held at the Yadanar Thing Hotel, Mandalay.
National Strategic Plan For The Advancement of Women (NSPAW) and Gender Instruments Multiplier Training was held by Gender Equality Network with the corporation with Amara Aung Organization as one of the activity of EU funded project “Empower Civil Society Organization and Local Authorities promoting gender equality in Myanmar”. Gender Equality Network facilitated the training and 25 representatives (2 M, 23 F) from 12CSOs joined the two-day training from 22.1.2019 to 23.1.2019. The training was held at the Yadanar Thing Hotel, Mandalay.
Gender Equality Network facilitated PEA (Political Economy Analysis) workshop on 28th and 29th January at Yadanar Theingi Hotel, Mandalay as one the activity of European Union Funded Project ‘’Empowered Civil Society Organization and Local Authorities promoting gender equality in Myanmar’’. 24 participants (M-18) (F-3) (Other-3) joined the two-day workshop which was facilitated by Daw Khin Ma Ma Myo with the staffs from partner organizations.
National Strategic Plan For The Advancement of Women (NSPAW) and Gender Instruments Multiplier Training was held by Gender Equality Network with the corporation with Spectrum Organization as one of the activity of EU funded project “Empower Civil Society Organization and Local Authorities promoting gender equality in Myanmar”. Gender Equality Network facilitated the training and 32 representatives (10 M, 22 F) from 16 CSOs joined the two-day training from 2.2.2019 to 3.2.2019. The training was held at the Yadanar Theingi Hotel, Mandalay.
Gender Equality Network facilitated SAG (Social Accountability Governance) workshop on 6th, 7th and 8th February at Hotel Mandalay as one the activity of European Union Funded Project ‘’Empowered Civil Society Organization and Local Authorities promoting gender equality in Myanmar’’. 41 participants including local authorities (M-25) (F-13) (Other-3) joined the three-day workshop which was co-facilitated with partner organization DCA/NCA.
Gender Equality Network facilitated PEA (Political Economy Analysis) workshop on 7th and 8th January at Hotel Perfect, Hpa An as one the activity of European Union Funded Project ‘’Empowered Civil Society Organization and Local Authorities promoting gender equality in Myanmar’’. 38 participants (M-12) (F-26) joined the two-day workshop which was facilitated by Daw Khin Ma Ma Myo with the staffs from partner organizations.
National Strategic Plan For The Advancement of Women (NSPAW) and Gender Instruments Multiplier Training was held by Gender Equality Network with the corporation with WIG as one of the activity of EU funded project “Empower Civil Society Organization and Local Authorities promoting gender equality in Myanmar”. Gender Equality Network facilitated the training and 44 representatives (10 M, 33 F, 1 Others) from 22 CSOs joined the two-day training from 5.2.2019 to 6.2.2019. The training was held at the Pa_Oh Literature and Culture Organization Office.
Gender Equality Network facilitated PEA (Political Economy Analysis) workshop on 13th and 14th February at No.119 Myint Mo Street, Nyaung Phyu Sakan Quarter,Cherry Queen Hotel, Taung Gyi as one the activity of European Union Funded Project ‘’Empowered Civil Society Organization and Local Authorities promoting gender equality in Myanmar’’. 36 participants (M-9) (F-26) (Other-1) joined the two-day workshop which was facilitated by Daw Khin Ma Ma Myo with the staffs from partner organizations.
National Strategic Plan For The Advancement of Women (NSPAW) and Gender Instruments Multiplier Training was held by Gender Equality Network with the corporation with WIG and F&J Organization as one of the activity of EU funded project “Empower Civil Society Organization and Local Authorities promoting gender equality in Myanmar”. Gender Equality Network facilitated the training and 44 representatives (8 M, 36 F) from 5CSOs joined the two-day training from 14.2.2019 to 15.2.2019. The training was held at the YFC hall,Than Taung Gyi.
A meeting with the active supporters of GEN was held on February 22nd at the GEN's office and ten-year progress presentation was given to the attendees.
Working Group meeting (3rd time) for International Women's Day was held on 25th February (Monday) from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm at GEN Resource Center. Working Group shared their activities of what they will do and discussed information of what they will continue. IWD working group discussed work plan and shared information to get collaboration.
National Strategic Plan For The Advancement of Women (NSPAW) and Gender Instruments Multiplier Training was held by Gender Equality Network as one of the activity of EU funded project “Empower Civil Society Organization and Local Authorities promoting gender equality in Myanmar”. Gender Equality Network (GEN) and Kachin Women Union (KWU) facilitated the training and 33 people (3 M, 29 F) from 10 CSOs joined the two-day training from 18.2.2019 to 19.2.2019. The training was held at Hpa-Kant, Baptisp Church, Kachin State.
National Strategic Plan For The Advancement of Women (NSPAW) and Gender Instruments Multiplier Training was held by Gender Equality Network as one of the activity of EU funded project “Empower Civil Society Organization and Local Authorities promoting gender equality in Myanmar”. Gender Equality Network (GEN) and Southern Shan State Women Organization Network facilitated the training and 39 people (13 M, 26 F) from 7CSOs and Local Authorities joined the two-day training from 21.2.2019 to 22.2.2019. The training was held at Hote Kyart Hall, WON Kyi Street, Yea Aye Quen Quarter, TaungGyi.
National Strategic Plan For The Advancement of Women (NSPAW) and Gender Instruments Multiplier Training was held by Gender Equality Network as one of the activity of EU funded project “Empower Civil Society Organization and Local Authorities promoting gender equality in Myanmar”. Gender Equality Network (GEN) and Justice movement for community (JMC) facilitated the training and 39 people (28M, 11 F) including the head of the village and villagers joined the two-day training from 17.2.2019 to 18.2.2019. The training was held at BayarNga Su, ECCD center, BayarNga Su village, Linkin Village Track, Innlay.
National Strategic Plan For The Advancement of Women (NSPAW) and Gender Instruments Multiplier Training was held by Gender Equality Network with the corporation with WIG, Free and Justice as one of the activities of EU funded project “Empower Civil Society Organization and Local Authorities promoting gender equality in Myanmar”. Gender Equality Network, Free and Justice Myanmar (F&J) and WIG facilitated the training and 40 people (12 M, 28 F,) from 2 CSOs and 16 Departments joined the two-day training from 21.2.2019 to 22.2.2019. The training was held at Hotel Perfect in Hpa-An.
Meetings and Workshops attended by GEN’s representatives
5th February, 2019 – GEN’s Head of Policy Advocacy Unit attended the MNCW meeting at the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement in Nay Pyi Taw.
5th – 7th February, 2019 – GEN’s Director attended the Expert consultation meeting on “How can efforts to tackle poverty and leave no one behind be more sensitive and responsive to religious inequalities” in Bangkok organized in partnership with the Institute of Development Studies (UK) on behalf of the Coalition for Religious Inequality and Inclusive Development (CREID), includes al Khoei Foundation, Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Minority Rights Group, and the World Organization for Al-Azhar Graduates (WOAG), affiliated to the Grand Al-Azhar University and convened by the Institute of Development Studies. She joined in the panel discussion of “Challenges to religious pluralism in Myanmar: First hand experiences and contributed to the discussion on “Women’s movements and recognition of minority women’s rights: opportunities and challenges”.
7th February, 2019 – GEN’s co-chair, Daw Nwe Zin Win, together with Head of Policy Advocacy, Advisor and two National Consultants met with Dr. Daw San San Aye to present GEN’s work plan for the year 2019. In the meeting, GEN presented what activities GEN will do in 2019 and where. DG asked questions on some activities for which she wanted to know in more details. The discussion was very fruitful and GEN requested areas of collaboration to work together with DSW and DG provided necessary guidance for 2019 work plan.
8th February, 2019 – GEN’s Director had a meeting with the Special Representative of Secretary General on Conflict-related Sexual Violence as AGIPP Chair and hosted meeting at GEN office on behalf of AGIPP.
9th February, 2019 – A consultation meeting with members was organized to review GEN’s ToR and CoC at Green Hill Hotel
13th February, 2019 - GEN has been involved in working group for legal protection of domestic working initiated by International labor Organization (ILO) since Mid-2018 and participated in survey and meetings actively. On 13 February 2019, GEN National Consultant, Daw Su Su Nge representing GEN and working group, joined advocacy meeting with Women Parliamentarian at Park Royal Hotel in Nay Pyi Taw. The meeting was organized by National Democratic Institute (NDI) and ILO shared the findings from both quantitative and qualitative survey in 2018 and advocated for having a law for protection of Domestic Workers.
14th February, 2019 - GEN’s Director attended the Shuman Award Ceremony at the EU Ambassador’s residence.
15th February, 2019 - GEN Steering Committee members reviewed GEN Core Cost Policy developed with the technical support from Metta Foundation.
15th February, 2019 – GEN-CU has organized a meeting with GEN members and asked input from member on PSHEA – Prevention of Sexual Harassment, Exploitation and Abuse; IT Use Policy; Anti-Corruption; Anti-Discrimination, Partnership Policies.
15th February, 2019 - GEN’s Director attended the Finalization Workshop of Core Cost Policy with SC members and consultation of other newly developed policies such as PSHEA, Equity and Inclusion, etc. with members and attended Nordic Day event at Nordic house in the evening.
16th February 2019 - GEN’s Head of Policy Advocacy Unit participated as a panelist in the “Youth Speak Forum Tour 2019” organized by AIESEC Myanmar which focused on “Women Empowerment Towards Economic Growth” at National Management College in Botahtaung Township.
20th February, 2019 - GEN team together with GEN Co-Chair met with officials from Prison Department, Nay Pyi Taw to discuss about the work of GEN and the upcoming research with convicted perpetrators of GBV. Also discussed about the need to provide awareness on GBV for the prisoners and to support the library and edutainment programmes in various prisons across the country.
22nd February, 2019 - GEN CU, together with SC members, organized a meeting with donors who are supporting GEN financially to share the experiences of GEN during the last 10 years, its challenges and its future directions. The event was successful as the current donors have better understanding of GEN's work and its challenges and constraints.
22nd February, 2019 - GEN’s Director had an informal meeting with the active supporters of GEN and presentation, meeting with EU.
23th February, 2019 - GEN SC members and CU reviewed GEN’s draft policies on PSHEA – Prevention of Sexual Harassment, Exploitation and Abuse; Safety and Security Guidelines, Child Protection; Human Resource Policy; Finance and Accounting; IT Policy; Procurement and Asset Management; Anti-Corruption; Core Cost Policy; and Communication Policy.
25th February, 2019 - Many GEN members reviewed GEN's six-month work plan and agreed to apply for the new EU-EIDHR call for proposal with participation of many GEN members working in different geographical areas.
25th February, 2019 – GEN’s Head of Policy Advocacy Unit attended the International Women’s Day preparation meeting at the MNCW in Nay Pyi Taw.
26th February, 2019 – GEN’s Head of Policy Advocacy Unit attended a coordinating meeting on the Rights of PwDs organised by the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement at Mingalar Thiri Hote in Nay Pyi Taw.
