This program support young women in rural Myanmar in developing political and community leadership skills. Participants receive guidance and funding to implement group-led community projects that respond to local needs. Participants also attend workshops in financial literacy, research design, gender equality, and sexual health. The project builds resiliency by providing young women with the opportunity to put their skills and insight to use for the betterment of their communities.
Despite changes in Myanmar's political landscape, women remain underrepresented in community and political leadership roles. Only 42 out of 16,758 Village Tract Administrators in the country are women. Out of 330 townships in Myanmar there is not one female Township Administrator. The exclusion of women from these critical local leadership positions negatively impacts their participation and growth opportunities.
MCCL works with local trainers to discuss the role of gender, develop confidence and leadership skills, and network with CSOs and activists promoting gender equality. Workshop participants propose, design, and implement solutions to problems they see in their communities. They present these ideas to a panel of judges and qualifying projects receive small grant awards. By implementing their own solutions, participants contribute positively to their communities as effective political leaders.
The program is designed to provide long-term skill building that will empower young women to pursue leadership roles, whether in politics, in their communities, or in their professional lives. By expanding the scope of opportunity available to young women, MCCL seeks to strengthen the entire community and develop the resiliency of all members.
