The Progressive Mon Youth Organisation (MYPO) is encouraging women and young people to join its free Women and Justice Intensive Training (WJIT) to improve their understanding of justice issues and legal assistance during armed conflict.
Due to ongoing conflict, cases of gender-based violence (GBV) are increasing. However, many cases are resolved through compensation because victims and communities often lack knowledge of their legal rights and access to justice.
A MYPO representative said, “Many women accept compensation and drop their cases because they do not fully understand their legal rights or the protections available to them.”
The representative added that women’s participation in legal and justice processes is becoming increasingly important to ensure better access to justice.
The WJIT program will provide training on Myanmar laws, the court system, legal aid, gender issues, human rights, and topics such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI), and Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
The training will also cover constitutional principles, personal security rights, access to justice, conflict resolution, advocacy, and public speaking skills. Only 15 to 20 participants will be selected.
“We will prioritize applications from women, but interested people from both Mon State and other regions are also welcome to apply,” the MYPO representative said.
Applications will be accepted from June 12 to July 5. Screening will begin on July 10, followed by interviews on July 20. Final selections will be announced on July 23.
The training will begin on August 1 in an area controlled by the New Mon State Party (NMSP).
Since the military coup, MYPO has been active in various youth-led initiatives, including activities related to Mon Youth Day and the promotion of self-determination rights.
