WPSP Mentee Soe Win Develops Training Institute in Myanmar

Dr. Soe Win, a delegate from the Women in Public Service Project (WPSP) training institute in December 2011, has used WPSP training materials to develop a two-month training program for women in political parties and civil society in Myanmar. During the program, participants will shadow parliamentarians. Other highlights of her program include:

• Raising awareness on domestic violence in Shan and Karen States.
• Developing youth participation in the democratic process and good governance.
• Organizing a Future Women Political Leaders group of Myanmar for a campaign on electricity, land rights, and disability rights.
• Developing a South East Asian Women Leaders Network with parliamentarians on economic and political empowerment of women.
• Training the local government officials on the democratic process, good governance, public administration, IT, basic English, etc.
• Small business training for former women political prisoners.    

Since attending the WPSP training institute, Soe has been working with MP Aung Zin to pass the Women’s Protection Law. Aung Zin proposed the law in the federal parliament. In addition, Soe has addressed laws regarding land rights and aided in the reintegration of political prisoners.

Soe also created a South East Asian Network for women's economic empowerment with Dr. Jarupan  (Member of Parliament from Thailand) and  Ananda ( Member of Parliament from Indonesia) two other WPSP graduates. The three women are in a business partnership because of networking and sharing their experiences during the WPSP program.  These important unanticipated outcomes of WPSP speak to the vibrancy and urgency of WPSP.