A regional workshop aimed at strengthening the capacity of the National Mechanism for the Advancement of Women in ASEAN Member States (AMS) was conducted in a hybrid format at the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement office yesterday.
Union Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Dr Soe Win, members of the Myanmar National Committee on Women’s Affairs, personnel from other relevant organizations, and representatives of AFXB (Myanmar) attended the event in person.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the ASEAN Commission on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Women and Children, along with representatives from the ASEAN Gender Mainstreaming Steering Committee and other regional bodies, participated virtually.
The Union Minister highlighted that hosting the workshop in the ASEAN region demonstrated Myanmar's commitment to implementing projects outlined in the ASEAN Committee on Women (ACW) Work Plan (2021-2025) and would contribute to achieving objectives outlined in the ASEAN Gender Mainstreaming Strategic Framework (AGMSF).
Following this, Mr Chua Choon Hwa, the Deputy Undersecretary for the Policy Division of the Malaysian Ministry of Women, Family, and Community Development, delivered the opening address on behalf of the ACW Chairperson. Subsequently, ACW representatives from various ASEAN member states shared their experiences, best practices, and challenges in realizing the AGMSF.
Representatives from the ASEAN Confederation of Women’s Organizations (Myanmar), ASEAN Women’s Entrepreneurs Network, and AFXB (Myanmar) also underscored the importance of collaboration in advancing women's development and highlighted its benefits.
Additionally, representatives from the ASEAN Political-Security Community, ASEAN Economic Community, and ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community discussed their initiatives for promoting gender equality and inclusivity across multiple sectors.
The workshop concluded with a closing remark by the Director-General of the Department of Social Welfare. — MNA/ NT
