“The major objectives [of the party] are to increase the involvement of women in the political sector, and to [promote] better positions [for women] because, if we did not [establish] this party, we [women] would not be included in [leadership] positions, but only permitted [involvement in certain] areas,” said Mi Than Shin.
Ma Than Shin continued that by establishing the party, women no longer have to worry as to the level they are able to participate in the political sector, rather they can enjoy full participation in Burma’s politics.
“We have prepared to submit [our party] for registration soon. Whether the registration is already submitted or not, the fact that we could form the party is important,” said Mi Than Shin.
The recently-established Women’s Party does not solely represent Mon State, but represents [women] throughout the nation, with plans to expand its work to other ethnic areas nationwide.
The Women’s Party has a a fifteen-member central committee and a nine-member executive committee; with Mi Than Shin elected as party chairwoman, Mi Ni Ni as vice-chairwoman, Mi Seik Ka-mar Chan as secretary, and Mi Thazin Mon as joint secretary.
“For women, they should have found[ed] a party,” said Nai Aung Ba (aka) Nai Ouksar, of All Mon Regions Democracy Party (AMDP) executive committee member.
Nai Aung Ba notes that he is not yet able to comment on the Women’s Party because they have not released the party’s objectives and constitution, and he will reserve comment until after they have announced this information.
“We have not heard that the Women’s Party has been founded yet,” said Dr. Min Kyi Win, Joint-Secretary of the Mon National Party (MNP).
Political parties that are currently active in Mon State include the MNP, the AMDP, the National League for Democracy (NLD), the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) and the National Unity Party (NUP).
