Nan Say Wah

Galleries

Starting Point

Since her university days, Nan Say Wah has been actively involved in youth leadership and volunteer activities. She also served as the vice-president of the Kayin Region Culture Promotion Association, contributing to regional development. Upon her retirement, she developed a keen interest in women's issues, which were discussed alongside farmers' issues in Pyithu Hluttaw. Since 2015, she has actively participated in addressing women's issues.

She was a member of Pyithu Hluttaw from 2010 to 2015. When the JMC was reorganised, she alternately served as the vice-chairperson of the civilian representative of EAOs. She ran for the election in 2020 but did not win. However, she continued to work for Kayin State's benefit. After the State Administration Council (SAC) took power in 2021, she worked again at the JMC at the invitation of the Chief Minister of the Kayin State.

All women who speak up for women's rights and become leaders are her role models. She played the role of mediation and mitigation.

Peace Journey

In some parts of Kayin State, some left their homes to escape from armed conflict. When they returned home, they found that others were living on their land, and some businesses were involved in unlawful occupation. There was no answer to solve the issue. This issue has been reported to the relevant authority. 

According to the NCA (Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement), the EAOs do not have the right to detain locals. Those involved in illegal activities can only be tried by the law. Thus, she played a role in releasing those detained by the EAOs.

Different views deriving from ethnic conflicts and party politics should be heard, and discussions should be held between respective leaders. Peace should return as soon as possible. In this context, ASEAN should play a role. ASEAN should engage with both sides and mediate in considering their aspirations. 

She has visited Sweden, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Thailand concerning women's issues. In 2016, she attended a workshop in the Philippines on conflict resolution and peacebuilding. Additionally, in 2017, she attended a course on democracy in Switzerland. 

Success Stories

During her time with the JMC, she had the opportunity to speak and act to a certain extent regarding peace matters. She was also able to address issues related to farmland that the public was experiencing by making on-site visits to help resolve them. She organised workshops to build trust between the government and NCA signatory EAOs. Educational activities were also carried out to reduce civilians' fear. 

To encourage greater participation of women, it is essential for women to first organise and unite among themselves. By involving women in peace processes, violence can be reduced, and they will be able to advocate for the rights they deserve. Therefore, it is crucial to urge women's involvement. As a lesson, there are different views and perceptions towards democracy and federalism, which are often irreconcilable. 

Women are often forgotten in peace processes, and very little space is allotted. The Kayin State Peace-making Committee has only two female members. It should be more proportionate. Currently, the Kayin is unstable and insecure. She believed that women should participate in the peace process across various sectors.