Who We Are
About Us
The Shan Women’s Action Network (SWAN) was established on the 28th of March 1999 by an informal network of Shan women active along the Thai-Burma border responding to the needs of displaced Shan people with the aim of working together for social and political change in Burma.
SWAN is one of the founding members of the Women’s League of Burma (WLB), an umbrella women’s organization comprising 13 women’s groups from Burma.
Our Vision
SWAN is envisioning Union of Burma, as a federal democratic country, premised on social and political justice, gender and ethnic equality.
Mission statement
SWAN is committed to strengthening gender equality and justice for all women of Burma in their struggle for social and political rights through community-based actions, research and advocacy among Shan communities and through networking with local, national and international women.
Objectives
romoting the rights of women and children.
pposing exploitation of, and violence against, women and children.
orking together for peace and freedom.
mpowering women for a better life.
aising awareness to preserve natural resources and the environment.
SWAN’s Symbol
SWAN’s symbol is a stylized image of the Kennari, a mythical half-bird/half-woman, who is depicted as dancing in a martial arts posture. The symbol represents our desire to preserve our culture and to protect ourselves.