CALD marks historic first in Burma

Three days before the activity, one of the participants was serving time as a political prisoner. But with the spirit and vigor of National League for Democracy (NLD) members like herself, she went straight back to work after her release and participated in a workshop on empowering women in politics.  November 15-17, 2011 were monumental dates for CALD as it marked its first ever workshop in Burma—a result of the discussions when CALD officials met with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in January this year.

Forty women leaders and activists from five states and seven divisions around Burma participated in the workshop facilitated by CALD Women’s Caucus Chair, Hon. Mu Sochua, MP. The workshop aimed to prepare the women’s wing of the NLD for the upcoming elections; increase the political participation of women in the NLD and empower them to take greater and more influential leadership positions; and establish a sustainable framework of partnership between the CALD Women’s Caucus and NLD women’s wing.

Participants discussed the issues that affect women and how to empower women to get involved in advancing these issues. Some of the issues identified were education, land rights, violence against women, human trafficking and gender equality. Participants also planned to strengthen the party’s women’s wing with more capacity-building activities and communications strategies. “This workshop organized by CALD is very fantastic,” said a participant. “We are encouraged and inspired, and are also impressed by other people from around the world who helped us and worked together with us.”

After the workshop, the Secretariat had the opportunity to meet with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. Among the topics discussed was the need for rule of law and ethnic harmony in Burma’s democratization process. CALD committed to return to Burma for more exchanges with the NLD. The day after the workshop, the party decided to re-register for the country’s next elections. With developments like this, CALD is hopeful that when it returns, it will be to a more democratic and inclusive Burma.

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This post was written by CALD