Today, we celebrate the Shan Women’s Action Network (SWAN) Silver Jubilee. At this occasion, we take this moment to reflect on our journey of resilience, relentless pursuit of justice, and unwavering dedication to the empowerment of Shan women, amidst the enduring armed conflict in our homeland. This Silver Jubilee is not only a commemoration of our past achievements, but also a reflection on future challenges and opportunities that await us. During our recent Shan Women’s Get-Together held on 25-26 March 2024, 66 resilient women came from across the border for the first time since 2019. This Get-Together served as an essential platform for exchanging experiences and confronting the escalating challenges within our communities. The growing turmoil triggered by the military coup, continued conflicts between the Burma Army and ethnic armed resistance organizations, have led to dire humanitarian crises. As a result, countless individuals have been displaced, many of whom are children, women, and the elderly. Additionally, the imposition of the new conscription laws by the military junta and aggressive recruitment by various armed actors have further intensified the longstanding challenges our communities have long faced.
