The GBV Prevention and Peacebuilding Project Empowers Women and Communities in Taunggyi Township

The Myanmar YMCA’s Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Prevention and Peacebuilding Project, funded by Norwegian Church Aid, has been actively implemented in Southern Shan State’s Taunggyi Township since April 2025. The initiative aims to protect women and girls, strengthen community resilience, and promote peaceful coexistence.

As part of the program, a Women’s Leadership Training was successfully held from May 28 to 30, bringing together 35 female participants from diverse backgrounds. The training focused on enhancing leadership skills, self-confidence, and community engagement capacity, enabling women to take on greater roles in decision-making and local development.

On June 16, the project hosted its official launch event at Mountain Star Hotel in Taunggyi. The gathering was attended by 53 representatives from 16 GBV partner organizations. Myanmar YMCA General Secretary U Maung Maung Win delivered an encouraging keynote address, emphasizing the importance of collaborative action against GBV. Participants also discussed the project’s future activities and strategies for stronger coordination among stakeholders.

From June 17 to 19, the program conducted a Multi-Faith GBV Prevention Workshop with 29 participants (3 men and 26 women). The workshop explored the harmful impacts of religious and cultural misconceptions that perpetuate violence, while equipping participants with practical prevention methods. Attendees developed localized strategies to share these lessons back in their communities.

Building on these activities, the project organized a Household Economic Management Training in July, designed to improve women’s financial literacy and small business management skills. In August, the program will initiate a Microfinance Support Scheme to empower small-scale women-led businesses. The distribution of funds is planned for September, alongside community-level GBV awareness sessions to further engage and educate local residents.

This series of activities reflects the project’s holistic approach — integrating women’s empowerment, livelihood support, and community education to address the root causes of gender-based violence. By combining leadership development with economic opportunities, the program aims to create safer, more inclusive communities in Southern Shan State.

The GBV Prevention and Peacebuilding Project stands as part of the Myanmar YMCA’s long-term commitment to promoting justice, equality, and peace, even in the face of complex social challenges.

Phyo Min Thu @ Harry
M&E OFFICER
“Prevention of Gender-Based Violence and PeaceBuilding”
Myanmar YMCA