The Central Mon Women Organization (CMWO), the women’s wing of the New Mon State Party (NMSP), has begun re-establishing village- and township-level women’s groups in areas where women’s activities were previously suspended due to security concerns.
According to a CMWO official, the organization had halted its activities over the past two years in areas along the Gyaing River and in Kyaikmaraw Township because of instability. It has now successfully re-established village-level women’s groups in communities along the Gyaing River.
“We will continue forming women’s groups until every village is covered. We will also provide ongoing capacity-building in administration and management. Local people have told us that violence in the area is currently limited. There may still be cases of domestic violence, but we have only recently resumed activities and have not yet had many opportunities for in-depth discussions,” the official said.
The organization has been holding discussions on violence and challenges faced by local women and sharing awareness and knowledge to help prevent violence and related risks.
The CMWO official said the organization plans to establish Mon women’s groups not only in areas controlled by the New Mon State Party but also in all regions where Mon communities live.
The official added that support for addressing conflict-related and security issues had been limited in previous years because village-level focal persons, committees, and local women’s groups had not yet been fully established.
“Areas such as Kawkareik, Kyaikmaraw and the Gyaing River region are places where the New Mon State Party can maintain contact and engagement. Although its influence is not as strong as in areas such as Kyainseikgyi and Thaton District, there are still connections. That is why we are establishing women’s groups in all Mon villages, including in Paung Township,” the official said.
The CMWO held its annual meeting on June 9 and 10 with officials from the New Mon State Party. Discussions focused on increasing women’s participation in politics, leadership roles, and decision-making processes.
Women in the Gyaing River region, who were affected by armed conflict in 2024, are currently facing significant needs for vocational training, start-up capital, and financial services, according to local sources.
