This event presents recent findings of a pilot study conducted by the Berghof Foundation and Fight for Humanity, with the support of the German Federal Foreign Office, on the role of armed political movements in Myanmar in the implementation of the agenda on Women, Peace and Security (WPS). The findings show that these movements and women’s groups associated with them do indeed engage with the spirit of the WPS agenda, specifically regarding women and girls’ participation and protection, but that they also face various challenges related to limited resources, knowledge and technical expertise.

In a panel discussion, we intend to inquire about the progress, difficulties and prospects of women and girls in areas under the control of armed and political movements, and what potential roles these actors can play in the implementation of the WPS agenda. The discussion will be complemented by the comparative perspective of a Yemeni women’s rights advocate. Raising awareness on women’s rights in conflict areas two days before Human Rights Day, this event takes place in the spirit and framework of the UN’s 16 Days Activism Against Gender Based Violence.