United States Celebrates Women’s Contributions to Peace in Myanmar

On March 6, U.S. Ambassador to Myanmar Scot Marciel and USAID Mission Director Teresa McGhie hosted an event celebrating women’s contributions to peace in Myanmar through the presentation of the “Women Contributing to Peace” mapping project. Civil society organizations, peace process stakeholders, political leaders, members of the donor community, and journalists attended the event at Melia Hotel.

Studies show that women’s meaningful participation in peace processes considerably increases the likelihood that a peace agreement will lead to sustainable peace. The maps include more than 380 organizations, show expertise held by women, and provide actionable steps to further the inclusion of women in peace-related activities. Ambassador Marciel urged peace stakeholders to use the information in the maps to bring women into discussions of peace and to strengthen Myanmar’s peace efforts. “The United States is committed to supporting peace efforts in Myanmar. So many people in Myanmar have worked for so long, and sacrificed so much, for greater peace. I hope that the information in these maps helps include more people in formal and informal discussions, and contributes to the peace that we all hope to see,” he said.

Nonviolent Peaceforce collaborated with USAID to illustrate the wide range of women and organizations engaged in peace-related activities across Myanmar. These infographic maps counter the claim that there are no women in Myanmar with the expertise needed to resolve longstanding conflicts. You can view the maps here. 

Read the hole report.