Today, the Karen Women’s Organization (KWO) officially launches the 16 Days of Activism to End Violence Against Women. For many years, KWO has carried out this campaign with strong commitment, and this year our theme is “All women deserve to be safe, equal and respected.”

This year’s theme, “All women deserve to be safe, equal and respected,” was chosen because women in our communities continue to experience insecurity, inequality, and a lack of respect. Many women feel unsafe while traveling, and some have been subjected to sexual violence. Even within their own homes, women may face oppression from fathers, uncles, or brothers. Women are still denied equal participation in decisions about pregnancy, child-rearing, and household matters, and gender inequality continues in the workplace.

Women living in conflict-affected areas face the most critical conditions. Since the Burma military coup in 2021, no fewer than 783 women have been injured or killed due to military attacks, including airstrikes and drone strikes. Across all areas, women continue to suffer from unsafe conditions, inequality, and a lack of respect.

Please kindly see the full version of the KWO message in the English Language below:

Please kindly see the full version of the KWO message in the Karen Language below:

Please kindly see the full version of the KWO message in the Burmese Language below: