Mingalarbar!
 
Welcome to the February 2021 Edition of the GEN Monthly Newsletter. On 1st February, the Military Coupe in Myanmar seized power, overthrowing the democratically elected government. Tens of thousands of people came to the streets in defiance of the junta throughout February. GEN also supported the pro-democracy movements through protests, open-letters, and donations to Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM).
 
Every month, we request a GEN member, or SC members or GEN-CU staff to provide a greeting letter that reveals how being part of GEN impacts their lives. This month, we request the greeting letter from Ipas, an active INGO member of GEN and Active Member Awardee 2020, to share its thoughts and experience with GEN.
 

Ipas’s broad vision is to help bring about a world where every woman and girl has the right and ability to determine her own sexuality and reproductive health (SRH). Since 2014, Ipas has been the only organization in Myanmar working to improve provision of high-quality woman-centered postabortion care (PAC) in the public health system. We are currently working in Kachin, Kayin, Mon, Rakhine, Shan States, and Ayeyarwady Region; our work in conflict-affected areas address the unique SRHR needs of vulnerable populations.

As a member of GEN, Ipas has been able to learn and contribute to advancing the rights of women in Myanmar. Over the years, Ipas has participated with GEN in the development of the National Strategic plan of Advancement of Women (NSPAW) and in advocating for the realization of the SRHR of women and girls including the POVAW Law. To reduce stigma and change attitudes and behaviors that perpetuate negative attitudes, and practices of SRH, including PAC, Ipas facilitates values clarification and attitude transformation (VCAT) exercises. Ipas conducted a series of VCAT trainings to GEN members and other stakeholders. Ipas looks forward to continuing to collaborate with this network to create an enabling environment for women’s rights.    


 

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